Provided herein are recombinant nucleic acid molecules, nucleic acid constructs, fusion enzymes, transformed host cells, and methods for making aroma compounds alpha-ionone or beta-ionone.

The present invention relates to host cells comprising genes of the mevalonate, lycopene and -ionone pathways and the hydroperoxide reductase or catalase genes. The present invention also relates to methods of producing apocarotenoids as well as kits for producing apocarotenoids comprising the host cells.