Flavor Profiles of 17 Species of North Atlantic Fish

A modified traditional Flavor Profile? method was used by a trained panel to develop sensory profiles of the cooked muscle of 17 species of North Atlantic fish. Species were characterized for aroma and flavor total intensity, amplitude, order and intensity of character notes, and aftertaste. This information provides a data base for grouping species according to similarities in their characteristics. Flavor data were analyzed by cluster procedures and revealed four distinct groupings characterized by: (1) less than moderate total flavor intensity with a shellfish note; (2) less than moderate total flavor intensity with an earthy note; (3) a moderate flavor intensity with fish oil, gamey and sour notes; (4) high total flavor intensity with fish oil, sour, and stronger gamey notes.