AbstractVolatile compounds of two plum species (Prunus salicina Lindl and Prunus simonii L) were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry using simultaneous vacuum distillation extraction. Aroma patterns were identified and quantified. A total of 60 compounds were identified, of which 23 were unique to P simonii. The profile of P simonii, as well as a study of the odor unit values of some identified compounds, indicated a much stronger aroma than P salicina. Hexyl acetate, which produces a characteristic apple aroma, was present in P simonii at levels 50‐fold higher than in the studied cultivars of P salicina.