Descriptive sensory analysis and acceptance of leaves of smooth and curly kale

ABSTRACT Curly and smooth kale hybrids grown in both field (conventional) and hydroponic systems were sensory-analyzed using the descriptive and affective sensory technique. The treatments comprised hydroponic-cultivated Darkibor (A), Darkibor cultivated in field (B), HS2O (C), Arielli (D) and Kobe (E), these last three cultivated under conventional system (field-cultivated). The panelists indicated the significant attributes that described the differences in kale sensory profiles. Darkibor (A) and Arielli (D) kale leaves had the lightest green color. Regarding their format, the kales were classified into smooth and curly. Both the Darkibor grown in field (B) and Arielli (D) had the most intense bitter taste. Darkibor (A) showed the highest intensity for sweet taste, followed by Arielli (D). The field-cultivated Darkibor (B) ranked the highest crispness and mouthfeel (sensation produced by a particular food in the mouth). The color and texture of the kale leaves affected purchase intention by the consumer, and the color showed a difference among the kales, with Darkibor kale (A) receiving the lowest score. Darkibor (A) obtained lower buying-likelihood scores, reinforcing that color affects consumers’ purchase intention.

The Impact of Terroir on the Flavour of Single Malt Whisk(e)y New Make Spirit

The impact of barley variety and its geographical growth location (environment) on the flavour of new make spirit was investigated to determine if “terroir” can be applied in the production of single malt whisk(e)y. New make spirits were produced at laboratory scale under controlled conditions from two different barley varieties (Olympus and Laureate) grown at two distinct environments (Athy, Co Kildare and Bunclody, Co Wexford) in Ireland over two consecutive seasons (2017 and 2018). The spirit samples were analysed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry olfactometry and descriptive sensory analysis. Forty-two volatiles were detected with eight deemed as very influential and fifteen deemed as influential to the aroma of new make spirit. Sensory attributes were influenced by barley variety, environment, and the interactions thereof over both seasons, with environment and the interaction of variety x environment having a greater impact than variety alone. Chemometric analysis of the olfactometry and sensory data found that both environment and season had a greater impact on the aromatic sensory perception of the new make spirits than variety alone. Therefore, this study clearly demonstrates a “terroir” impact on the flavour of new make spirit and highlights its potential importance especially in relation to single malt whisk(e)y.

Characterization of Key Aroma-Active Compounds Isolated from Omija Fruit Treated Differently Based on Odor Activity Values and Descriptive Sensory Analysis

The objective of this study was to characterize the key aroma-active compounds isolated from omija fruits using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), orthonasal threshold testing, and descriptive sensory analysis techniques. Omija fruits were prepared using four different methods: raw, pureed, freeze-dried, and hot-air dried. The aromatic compounds were extracted with ethanol. Flavor compounds were further isolated using distillation under reduced pressure, followed by liquid–liquid extraction, and were then identified using GC-MS. A total of 40 volatile compounds were identified in omija fruits; nine were further identified as key aroma-active compounds found in omija fruits. The odor-active values for key flavor compounds were calculated, and aroma descriptions perceived by humans were determined using a highly trained panel. This study found that compounds high in omija fruit extracts were not necessarily the odor active compounds and 4-terpineol (1.84) and α-terpineol (2.58) were high odor-active compounds in omija fruits. Samples with high levels of the two compounds (hot air- and freeze-dried omija fruit) had high intensities of “spicy” and “wet-wood” aromatics.