Abstract
Chinese baijiu is highly regarded for its unique flavor, and a variety of crops can be utilized as raw materials in its production. Waxy crops are essential ingredients in the brewing of high-quality baijiu; however, there is currently no comprehensive identification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and non-volatile compounds (N-VOCs) in waxy wheat baijiu (WWB). This study aims to investigate the dynamic changes of VOCs and N-VOCs in WWB during several important time periods from new to aged. A total of 25 amino acids underwent changes in the samples, with numerous physiologically active beneficial amino acids showing significant accumulation after aging. Additionally, 517 VOCs changed after aging, predominantly comprising esters and terpenoids, with 72 major VOCs being identified. A total of 718 metabolites were identified in the metabolome, primarily comprising alterations in lipids, amino acids, phenolic acids, organic acids, and alkaloids. These metabolites significantly influenced the levels of amino acids and VOCs. Our study is the first to provide a comprehensive examination of these aspects of WWB, highlighting its unique advantages over other crops. We believe that this research will establish a theoretical foundation for the application of waxy wheat in the baijiu industry, improve baijiu quality, and promote the development of functional baijius.