Résumé
The odor of Lactarius helvus (Fr.: Fr.) Fr. (Russulales, Russulaceae) has been described as a strong spicy smell reminiscent of chicory and fenugreek. Lactarius helvus was investigated for volatile compounds by GC/MS. The volatile components proportion corresponds to 0.04% of dry weight. Thirty-eight components were identified. The major constituents were capric acid (25.6%), 3-amino-4,5-di-methyl-2(5H)-furanone (15.8%, [1]) and 2-methyl-butyric acid (12.9%). 3-Hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone (=sotolon, [2], 1.4%), the hydroxy furanone derivative molecule with the characteristic aroma of Trigonella foenum graecum seeds, is the key compound responsible for the fenugreek odour of L. helvus. Sotolon is widely used as an aroma component in food and tobacco industries due to its strong reminiscent odour.