phenolics
Hydroxyl-bearing ring molecules
Phenolics are a class of chemical compounds containing a phenol group—a hydroxyl group attached to an aromatic ring.
In wine and food science, phenolics include tannins, flavonoids, and other compounds that contribute bitterness, astringency, and color: The wine's phenolics give it structure and aging potential.
Plants produce phenolics as defense mechanisms and antioxidants.
Polyphenolic plant metabolites
Astringent plant compounds
- vanillaOrchid pod extract
- smokyFilled with combustion haze
- spicyHaving strong heat
- clovesDried flower-bud spice
oak · leather · earthy · herbal · chocolate · coffee · toasted · nutty
Polyphenolic plant metabolites
- catechinsPolyphenolic tea compounds
- quercetinPlant-derived antioxidant flavonoid
- cardioprotectiveSafeguarding cardiac tissue
- anti-inflammatoryInflammation-reducing agent
Astringent plant compounds
- puckeringContracting into small folds
- mouthfeelOral texture perception
- drynessAbsence of moisture
- bitternessSharp, unpleasant taste or feeling
grip · firmness · chalkiness · persistence · tartness · roughness · austerity · greenness
Small fleshy fruits
- grapesClustered vine fruit
- pomegranateMany-seeded red fruit
- coffeeBrewed bean beverage
- turmericYellow rhizome spice
rosemary · oregano · apples · citrus · walnuts · cacao · acai · blueberries
Kills or inhibits germs
- shelf-lifePeriod before spoilage
- food-safetyProtecting consumables from contamination
- antifungalDestroys or stops mold growth
- bacteriostaticInhibits microbial reproduction
flavonoids
Polyphenolic plant metabolites
tannins
Astringent plant compounds
cloves · oak · leather · earthy · herbal · chocolate · coffee · toasted · nutty · fruity
flavonoids
Polyphenolic plant metabolites
- catechinsPolyphenolic tea compounds
- quercetinPlant-derived antioxidant flavonoid
- cardioprotectiveSafeguarding cardiac tissue
anti-inflammatory · neuroprotective · bioavailability · scavenging · redox
tannins
Astringent plant compounds
bitterness · grip · firmness · chalkiness · persistence · tartness · roughness · austerity · greenness · unripe
berries
Small fleshy fruits
- grapesClustered vine fruit
- pomegranateMany-seeded red fruit
- coffeeBrewed bean beverage
turmeric · rosemary · oregano · apples · citrus · walnuts · cacao · acai · blueberries · cranberries
antimicrobial
Kills or inhibits germs
- shelf-lifePeriod before spoilage
- food-safetyProtecting consumables from contamination
- antifungalDestroys or stops mold growth
- disinfectantsbleach, chlorine, antiseptic, disinfectant spray, hydrogen peroxide
- plant defensesthorns, spines, trichomes, toxins, latex
- phytochemistryphytochemicals, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, glycosides
- aerospace materialstitanium, aluminum, carbon fiber, composites, heat shields
- aroma chemicalsvanillin, limonene, menthol, benzaldehyde, camphor
- Fire-Safe Polymersflame retardant, flame retardants, fire resistant, self-extinguishing, fire barriers
phenolicsalkanes
Saturated hydrocarbon compounds
paraffins · fatty acids · terpenes · simple sugars · steroids