Conclusion
The analysis of volatile compounds in tomato-based pâtés provides interesting information concerning the effects of thermal stabilization on modifications of aromatic characteristics of this kind of product. In particular, among the volatile compounds derived from the ingredient formulation the terpenic compounds showed significant decreases after thermal stabilization process, probably attributable to their degradation and oxidation favored by high temperatures. The thermal stabilization caused, moreover, an increase in volatile compounds, associated with lipid oxidation and the Maillard reaction, characterized by low-sensory threshold, and to those generated by the thermal degradation of carotenoids and fresh tomato-derived compounds.