Rocket salad (Diplotaxis and Eruca spp.) sensory analysis and relation with glucosinolate and phenolic content

BACKGROUND: Salad crops of the Brassicaceae family, such as Diplotaxis tenuifolia and Eruca vesicaria, commonly referred to as ‘rocket salads’, have attracted considerable interest as culinary vegetables because of their strong flavour and their content of putative health‐promoting compounds. Among such compounds, glucosinolates and phenolics are well‐known phytochemicals with an important role also in determining the characteristic flavour of these species. In this study, to identify potentially high‐value rocket salads, 37 cultivated types were examined for sensory characters and their relations with glucosinolate and phenolic contents, which ranged from 0.76 to 3.03 g kg^?1 dry weight (DW) and from 4.68 to 31.39 g kg^?1 DW, respectively. RESULTS: The perception of bitter taste was significantly affected by specific glucosinolates, namely progoitrin/epiprogoitrin and dimeric glucosativin. Aroma intensity was negatively related to glucoalyssin content, whereas pungency was significantly related to total glucosinolate content. Kaempferol‐3‐(2‐sinapoyl‐glucoside)‐4′‐glucoside was positively and significantly related to all flavour trait perceptions. Aroma intensity, pungency, crunchiness and juiciness were positively related to typical rocket salad flavour perception through a prominent direct effect. CONCLUSION: Aroma intensity, pungency, crunchiness and juiciness were strong determinants of overall rocket salad flavour perception. Visual traits also characterised sensory components. Bitterness, usually considered a negative flavour trait, was moderately perceived in the examined material, without negatively affecting typical flavour perception. In the range of the examined material, glucosinolate content did not contrast with typical flavour, demonstrating that good taste and putative health‐promoting properties may coexist. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Relative importance of texture properties in the sensory quality and acceptance of commercial crispy products

BACKGROUND: Understanding the textural properties of a food can be important for producers and marketers of crispy products. Relationships between texture, overall sensory quality (OSQ) and consumer acceptance of different products have been a field of interest for many authors. Despite this, results of research concerning the importance of texture remain inconclusive. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between texture and other sensory attributes on an example of potato chips and their OSQ and consumer acceptance. To determine which attributes played a dominant role in the OSQ of chips, statistical correlations were calculated. RESULTS: Among the 11 attributes analysed, three had a positive relationship with the OSQ. These were: fried potato odour (r = 0.487), fried potato flavour (r = 0.597) and crispness (r = 0.570). The negative relation was observed for off‐flavour notes (r = ? 0.740; ? 0.693). Among the texture attributes, also negative, but without a dominant influence on OSQ, were hardness and undesirable type of fragmentation. CONCLUSION: Texture properties were found to be significantly correlated with OSQ as well as with consumer acceptance, but other attributes, especially those with negative sensory effects, determined OSQ of the products examined and are of crucial importance for consumer acceptance. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Dry matter content and fruit size affect flavour and texture of novel Actinidia deliciosa genotypes

BACKGROUND: Previous studies with commercial kiwifruit cultivars have demonstrated that the taste of fruit with higher dry matter content (DM) is more liked by consumers. A unique replicated trial of kiwifruit genotypes (10 high/low DM × small/large‐fruited genotypes) has provided an opportunity to consider how the genetic propensity for a kiwifruit to accumulate DM affects fruit flavour and texture. In the present study, eating‐ripe fruit from each of the genotypes were assessed using a trained sensory panel and the relationships between these sensory attributes and fresh weight, DM, flesh firmness and soluble solids content (SSC) were explored. RESULTS: The genotypes provided a diversity of flavour and texture attributes, each of which varied in perceived intensity of the sensory experience. High‐DM genotypes had higher SSC and were perceived as sweeter than low‐DM genotypes. Sweet taste was closely associated with the perception of the tropical flavour and high‐DM genotypes were found to have more tropical notes. Fruit size was associated with fruit texture, and small fruit were characterised by a firmer and more fibrous core. Large high‐DM fruit were perceived as juicier than those of all other genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: Genotypes were perceived differently from one another, and differences in fruit size and DM content were reflected in fruit sensorial properties. This study is unique in demonstrating interactions between fruit size, DM and sensory properties. These findings could be relevant not only to kiwifruit but to fruiting crop breeders in general, because of the demonstrated potential for effects of fruit size and DM content on sweetness, flavour and fruit texture. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Relationship of pungency and leading flavour attributes in model food matrices – temporal aspects

Temporal aspects and interaction effect of pungency evoked by capsaicin/chili and leading flavour attributes in model food matrices were studied. Two experiments were performed: in experiment I pure capsaicin at three levels (0.5, 25, 125 ppm) was added to various carriers (water solution, potato starch gruel and tomato soup and sauce) and in experiment II chili powder was used as irritant (0.03%, 0.08%, 0.2%) in six different model food matrices (tomato, chicken and mushroom soups and sauces). Intensity changes of pungency and 2–3 leading flavour/taste attributes were traced using Time–Intensity procedure at pre-determined discrete time intervals. Most of T–I parameters of capsaicin pungency depended strongly on both, carrier complexity and capsaicin concentration. The three pairs of model soups and sauces suppressed pungency evoked by chili differently. Pungency intensity was consistently lower in sauces than in soups. Increasing chili level caused systematic but moderate or slight suppression of leading flavour attributes (more often in soups and less in sauces). Various taste quality (acidic, bitterness and saltiness) were differently affected by pungency. Quality changes and temporal migration of pungency sensation in the mouth contributed additionally to the complexity of interaction between pungency/leading flavour and taste attributes/carriers.     

Sensory analysis and fruiting bodies characterisation of the edible mushrooms Pleurotus ostreatus and Polyporus tenuiculus obtained on leaf waste from the essential oil production industry

The present investigation aims to examine if waste from the essential oil industry (Laurus nobilis and Eucalyptus cinnerea) can modify the sensory attributes of dried Pleurotus ostreatus and Polyporus tenuiculus. Moreover, the conversion percentage from dry substrate weight to fresh mushroom weight (biological efficiency) and fresh fruiting body characterisation were evaluated. It was possible to obtain fruiting bodies in both aromatic substrates. This study demonstrated that the substrate composition had effects on the sensory and quality characteristics of the mushrooms. The use of aromatic plant wastes increased the intensities of the brown colour, sour, ‘mushroom’ flavour and springiness, and decreased the intensities of the bitterness and hardness. In addition, significant differences between species were observed. Pleurotus ostreatus had the highest ‘mushroom’ flavour, pungency and sour intensities, and P. tenuiculus was recognised for its cereal flavour, hardness, fibrous texture and springiness.     

Physicochemical and descriptive sensory characterization of Spanish pomegranates: aptitudes for processing and fresh consumption

Pomegranate fruit and its products are being widely promoted to consumers as healthy alternatives for their daily diet. The aim was to study the main sensory differences among twenty pomegranate cultivars, determining which cultivars have particular flavour or texture notes that could make them more appropriate for fresh consumption or processing. Four clusters grouped all samples, two of them included sour cultivars and two of them included sweet and sweet‐sour cultivars. Cluster 1 (sour) was characterized by having floral, apple, and grape flavour notes and also producing a tongue numbing sensation. Cluster 2 (sour), which included the Wonderful cultivar, had samples with wine‐like attributes. Clusters 3 and 4 (sweet and sour‐sweet) were characterized by having overall sweet, pear and grape notes for cluster 3, and beet, fruity‐dark, fermented, musty and woody flavour for cluster 4.     

Flavour evaluation of three black mulberry (Morus nigra) cultivars using GC/MS,chemical and sensory data

The flavour characteristics of three black mulberry (Morus nigra) cultivars from the Aegean region of Turkey were investigated using GC/MS and sensory analysis techniques. A total of 18 flavour compounds were identified by GC/MS in the three cultivars. Total sugar content varied between 11.3 and 16.2%, pH between 3.60 and 3.80 and total acidity between 1.51 and 1.79%. The sensory assessment indicated that black mulberry has fruity, sweet, sour, musky and woody flavour notes and fruity, acid, musky, leafy and woody‐fresh aroma characteristics. The evaluation of GC/MS and sensory data revealed that ethyl linolenate was the most effective compound contributing to the unique flavour of black mulberry. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Using Fish Sauce as a Substitute for Sodium Chloride in Culinary Sauces and Effects on Sensory Properties

Historically, fish sauce has been a standard condiment and ingredient in various Southeast Asian cuisines. Moreover, fish sauce imparts umami taste, which may enhance perceived saltiness in food. This quality suggests that fish sauce may be used as a partial substitute for sodium chloride (NaCl) in food preparation, which may present a valuable option for health‐conscious and salt‐restricted consumers. However, the degree to which NaCl can be decreased in food products without compromising taste and consumer acceptance has not been determined. We hypothesized that NaCl content in food may be reduced by partial replacement with fish sauce without diminishing palatability and consumer acceptance. Preparations of 3 types of food were assessed to test this hypothesis: chicken broth (n = 72); tomato sauce (n = 73); and coconut curry (n = 70). In the first session, the percentage of NaCl that could be replaced with fish sauce without a significant change in overall taste intensity was determined for each type of food using the 2‐Alternative Forced Choice method. In the second session, subjects rated 5 samples for each food with varying NaCl and/or fish sauce content on 3 sensory attributes: deliciousness; taste intensity; and saltiness. Our results demonstrate that NaCl reduction was possible in chicken broth, tomato sauce, and coconut curry at 25%, 16%, and 10%, respectively, without a significant loss (P < 0.05) in deliciousness and overall taste intensity. These results suggest that it is possible to replace NaCl in foods with fish sauce without reducing overall taste intensity and consumer acceptance.     

Effect of sulphate nutrition on flavour components of onion (Allium cepa)

It is known that the volatile components of raw and cooked onions contain mono-, di- and tri-sulphides and other flavour-contributing sulphur compounds. The relationship between the sulphate nutrition of spring (salad) onion (Allium cepa) and its flavour strength determined by sensory, biochemical and chromatographic methods has been investigated. The plants were grown in sand culture in a glasshouse and the nutrient solutions contained five levels of sulphate from zero to an adequate amount. In their growth response, total sulphur content and visual symptoms, the plants showed characteristic essential nutrient deficiency. The sensory tests, and instrumental and biochemical assays showed that flavour strength increased approximately in proportion to sulphate concentration in the medium; lachrymatory potency also increased. There were significant coefficients of correlation between sulphate concentration of the nutrient medium and some aspects of flavour strength. The correlation coefficients between total sulphur content (% of the edible portion) and total peak area, n-propyl disulphide peak area and total pyruvate were also high. These observations suggest the possibility of control of onion flavour strength and lachrymatory potency, under field conditions, by control of sulphate nutrition. The question of loss of maximum potential onion flavour as a consequence of sulphur deficiency in soils is discussed. A headspace method for sampling onion flavour volatiles and for their introduction into gas chromatographs is described.     

Relationship between pungency and food components – A comparison of chemical and sensory evaluations

The influence of food ingredients (water, starch, fat, and sugar), individually and in combination, on the sensory perception of the pungency of capsaicin was studied in model food systems using the time-intensity method. Furthermore, the transferability of the results obtained using model food matrices to complex matrices, such as convenience salsas, was investigated. Significant differences between the samples (p < 0.05) were examined by analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey-HSD post hoc test. A highly complex matrix and a high starch content reduced the perception of pungency in both the model food matrices and the convenience salsa products. Therefore, the time-related maximum intensity of pungency (I_max) was affected by other factors in addition to the capsaicin concentration.The total capsaicinoid content in the salsas was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS) and correlated to the results of the sensory evaluation. The best correlation (R² = 0.8029) was observed for the total capsaicinoid content and the maximum intensity of pungency (I_max) in comparison to the duration of the total pungency perception T_Dur (R² = 0.5176) and the area under the curve (R² = 0.6898). The calculated regression models serve as an example of how empirical calculations can be generated and used in a specific context.     

Brown rice proteins as delivery system of phenolic and volatile compounds of raspberry juice

Development of novel food ingredients with health benefits as well as desired sensory attributes is of great importance for food industry. For that purpose, complexes (BRP/R) between brown rice proteins (amounts varied; 2%, 6% and 10%) and raspberry juice were prepared. Obtained complexes were evaluated for the amount of volatile compounds, phenolic content, anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity. Those parameters depended on proteins amount. The highest adsorption of total phenolics and anthocyanins (18.18 mg g⁻¹ and 4.59 mg g⁻¹, respectively) was observed on complexes obtained with the lowest amount of proteins (2%). Regarding volatiles, dominant flavour note in raspberry juice was berry (40% of overall flavour), followed by citrus and woody notes (each around 18%), while dominant flavour note on complexes was citrus note (60%) followed by green note (15%). These results suggest an efficient plant-based approach to produce value-added protein-based complexes with possible utility as food colourant and flavouring.     

Prediction of odour and flavour acceptancies of white wines on the basis of their colour

The colour of Moravian white wines was evaluated instrumentally, using the trichromatic method, and by sensory analysis. The odour and flavour acceptancies could be predicted very well on the basis of sensory colour evaluation, and less efficiently by instrumental method. Consumers preferred wines with prevailing yellow hue, which was associated with sweet, fruity and floral flavour notes. Green hue was considered a negative factor, without any rational relation to negatively perceived flavour notes. Logarithmic relations fit moderately better experimental results than linear relations.     

Pungency in food perception and preference

Abstract

While sensations of pungency are characteristic of food in all cultures, relatively little attention has been given to trying to understand the role these sensations play in our perception of, and preference for, foods and food flavors. This review provides an overview of research on the psychophysics of the sensory system responsible for perception of pungency (the trigeminal nerve), current views on how preference for pungency develops, and the qualities of common pungent food ingredients and their interactions with food flavors. It is argued that understanding the role that pungency plays in foods is essential to successful development of acceptable food flavors, especially for those markets in Asia in which pungency is a defining characteristic of the cuisine.