AbstractThe volatile aroma compounds of raw and roasted palm kernel, isolated by hydrodistillation, were analysed by g.l.c. and g.c.‐m.s. A number of compounds have been identified for the first time in this commodity. It was found that δ‐lactones and ethyl esters were predominant in the flavour profile. In roasted palm kernels, flavour analysis showed the presence of a number of pyrazines formed during heating. Most of the lactones and esters identified in raw palm kernel were present in the roasted samples also. The flavour concentrate included a number of fatty acids in both the raw and roasted samples, in small amounts.