The effect of technology information on consumer expectations and liking of beef

European consumers increasingly attach value to process characteristics of food. Although beef technologies are hardly communicated to consumers, providing consumer-oriented information about technology application might increase perceived transparency and consumer acceptance. This study investigates how information about beef technologies influences consumer expectations and liking of beef. Beef consumers in Belgium (n = 108) and Norway (n = 110) participated in an information experiment combined with sensory testing in which each consumer tasted three beef muscles treated with different technologies: unprocessed tenderloin M. Psoas major, muscle profiled M. Infraspinatus, and marinated (by injection) M. Semitendinosus. The findings indicate that detailed information about beef technologies can enhance consumers' expectations and liking of beef. However, this effect differs between countries and beef technologies. Information becomes either less relevant when the product is actually tasted, as indicated by the findings in Norway, or more relevant when information is confirmed by own experience during tasting, as indicated by the findings in Belgium.     

Simplex lattice mixture design approach on the rheological behavior of glucomannan based salep-honey drink mixtures: An optimization study based on the sensory properties

The rheological properties of salep drink sweetened with different honeys were measured using a controlled-stress rheometer. Mixture design experiments were used to study the effect of interactions among pine, flower and highland honeys on the rheological properties of salep-honey drink mixture (SHDM) samples. In addition, product optimization was carried out using the ridge analysis to determine the optimum mixture proportions based on sensory properties of SHDM samples. Flower honey was the component showing the highest effect on the consistency coefficient values of SHDM samples. The preference of panelists was more prominent for the SHDM samples including the higher concentrations of highland honey with respect to odour and overall preference parameters. Optimum values of pine, flower and highland honeys in the mixture were found to be 0–85%, 0–40% and 15–100%, respectively, with respect to sensory properties. In addition, ridge analysis results revealed that the SHDM should include 65% highland honey, 35% pine honey and no flower honey to obtain the maximum overall preference score (7.24). The consistency coefficient and flow behavior index values of the sample to get maximum overall preference score (7.24) were predicted to be 3.650 Pa sⁿ and 0.435, respectively.     

Headspace volatiles contributing to flavour and consumer liking of wellness beverages

The relationships between volatile composition, sensory profile and liking of four Finnish wellness beverages were determined. Wellness beverages are finely carbonated nutritionally fortified functional drinks and are a fast growing product category in many countries. The aroma compounds of wellness beverages were extracted by solid phase microextraction and analysed by a gas chromatography–mass spectrometer. The purpose of this experiment was to identify the sensory and chemical quality characters required for a positive hedonic response. The effect of consumers’ health concerns on liking was also studied. This paper demonstrates that ethyl hexanoate, α-pinene, 3-hexenol, and hexyl acetate contribute to citrus-like and fresh odours and increase the liking of wellness beverages. On the other hand, 2-heptanone, which correlated with the calcium content, creates an off-flavour that is not pleasant for the consumer. Consumers who were more concerned about their health rated the wellness beverages as more pleasant.     

Simplex lattice mixture design approach on physicochemical and sensory properties of wheat chips enriched with different legume flours: An optimization study based on sensory properties

In this study, physicochemical and sensory characteristics of wheat chips enriched with different legume flours were investigated. Wheat chips formulations were composed with the mixture of wheat flour and the mixture of three different legume flours (wheat–legume ratio 80:20). Mixture design approach was used to determine the effect of interactions between pea, chickpea and soy flour on the physicochemical and sensory properties of chips produced with wheat–legume flour mixture. In addition, product optimization was carried out by using ridge analysis to determine the optimum legume flour mixture proportions based on sensory properties of chips samples. Chickpea flour was found to be highest desired component depending on the general acceptability scores of chips. Protein content of chips increased significantly with the addition of soy flour. Optimum limit values of chickpea, pea and soy flour in the legume flour mixture used for the enrichment of the wheat chips were found to be 50–100 g/100 g, 0–60 g/100 g and 0–45 g/100 g legume flour, respectively, with respect to sensory properties. Additionally, ridge analysis results showed that the wheat chips should include only chickpea flour in the legume flour fraction to obtain maximum overall preference score (6.08).     

高档酿酒葡萄品种引种的适应性研究

通过对引进106个国内外酿酒葡萄品种生长特性的观察及单品种酿酒试验,从中筛选出适宜干旱炎热生态条件的优质酿制葡萄品种6个.酿制优良干白葡萄酒品种为:保加利亚红玫瑰,科维丁卡,和田红.酿制优良干红葡萄酒品种为卡玛特,黑多内,黑麦道克.     

Comparison of methods to develop an emotional lexicon of wine: Conventional vs rapid-method approach

The development of emotional lexicons can be seen as a time- and resource-consuming activity. Several rapid methods have been developed for time-restricted studies, but the suitability of these methodologies in the development of emotional lexicons compared to conventional ones has not been investigated.The aim of this study was to test the suitability of a rapid method, as it is the Sorting Task, for emotional lexicon development compared to a conventional procedure. For this purpose, two different approaches (conventional vs rapid-method) were tested to evaluate wines.222 consumers participated in the lexicon development procedure. A common phase of generation and filtering of the terms was carried out for the development of both lexicons. Then, two approaches were used, one applying the procedures proposed in the literature (conventional, herein as Lexicon I) and the other applying Sorting Task (rapid-method, herein as Lexicon II). To test both lexicons, consumer studies (n = 185) were conducted using a set of seven commercial wines.Both methods were helpful in discriminating emotional responses. Lexicon I reported a wine effect for 10 of the 13 emotional categories, while the Lexicon II discriminated the samples in all 15 categories. Although multifactorial analysis showed a high agreement between configurations (RV = 0.985), the emotional map of both lexicons did not follow the theoretical circumplex model of emotions. SADNESS and NOSTALGIA feelings were related to the second axis.In conclusion, both methods provided similar maps of wines, but Lexicon II was more efficient in terms of time and resources during the lexicon development.     

Screening of rice cultivars for brewing high quality turbid rice wine

To screen proper rice cultivars for brewing high quality turbid rice wine, 5 high-yield rice cultivars, 9 high-eating-quality rice cultivars and 5 glutinous rice cultivars were collected. At the end of fermentation, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the fermentation properties, sensory properties and suspension stability of the original fermented mash (OFM) among individual rice cultivars. The assayed fermentation properties of OFM included pH value, total acidity, amino acidity, reducing sugar, alcohol yield, fusel alcohols and ethyl acetate. Seven rice cultivars were screened out for producing high quality wine by the comparative analysis. This research provided the basic scientific data for producing potential high quality turbid rice wine.     

Sensory quality of traditional foods

It is generally admitted that the expression ‘traditional food’ refers to a product with specific raw materials, and/or with a recipe known for a long time, and/or with a specific process.     

Sensory quality of traditional foods

It is generally admitted that the expression ‘traditional food’ refers to a product with specific raw materials, and/or with a recipe known for a long time, and/or with a specific process.     

Sensory evaluation of wine through correspondence analysis: a theoretical and empirical rationale

Sensory evaluation in wine research focuses on understanding wine preference and choice within a holistic framework. This study offers a theoretical and empirical rationale for the sensory evaluation of wine. A precondition for sustainability and success in the market arena is a clear understanding of potential interaction of sensory evaluation properties and other factors affecting consumer choice. New approaches and methodologies for preference matching and assessment of sensory properties and information queues on overall liking are of fundamental importance for wine makers. The aim of this study is to advance the understanding of sensory evaluations affecting consumer both on empirical and theoretical grounds. For the implementation of this aim, an empirical research with real wine tasting data was conducted and analyzed through the use of Correspondence Analysis (CA). The findings of this study demonstrate that this method is more appropriate in wine sensory data analysis due to their categorical and non-parametric nature. CA is a very useful technique to establish a solid knowledge for the identification of the wines based on evidence and facts of their aromatic characteristics.     

Towards development of a Wine Neophobia Scale (WNS): Measuring consumer wine neophobia using an adaptation of The Food Neophobia Scale (FNS)

A Wine Neophobia Scale (WNS) was created from The Food Neophobia Scale (FNS) modified by substituting the word ‘food’ with ‘wine’ and discarding one item. Respondents (n = 207) completed the WNS in order to identify scale items. Analysis indicated that the item “I am very particular about the wine I drink” should be removed. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) followed by Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) provided a unidimensional model that was internally reliable. The final WNS contained eight items, rated on a 9-point scale, and giving a maximum score of 72. The WNS was test/retested, checked for reliability and validated using a cohort of 471 Australian wine consumers and was then applied to 1000 Australian respondents who had consumed wine in the past two weeks. WNS scores were split into quartile segments and respondents who scored 39 or more were identified as wine neophobics.The degree of wine neophobia increased with age, but decreased with higher education and greater income. The demographic categories where wine neophobics predominated were: in the older than 55 years of age group; having no tertiary education; and an average household income of less than AUD$75 K. Wine neophilics were mostly younger than 54 years of age, with a tertiary education and an average household income above AUD$75 K. These results confirmed the potential of the WNS to be used as a tool for pre-screening and segmentation of wine consumers.     

Optimization of sourdough process for improved sensory profile and texture of wheat bread

The aim of the study was to determine optimum sourdough process conditions for improved flavour and texture of wheat bread. The influence of process conditions and the starter culture on the characteristics of wheat sourdough bread was established by using response surface methodology. Influence of fermentation temperature (16-32 °C), ash content of flour (0.6-1.8 g/100 g), and fermentation time (6-20 h) were considered as independent factors and their effects were studied in sourdough bread fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or with a combination of yeast and lactic acid bacteria. Intensity of sensory attributes, specific volume and bread hardness were considered as the main responses. Ash content of flour and fermentation time were the main factors determining the intensity of sensory attributes. The possibility to enhance intensity of overall flavour, aftertaste and roasted flavour without excessive pungent flavour and without reduced fresh flavour in wheat bread containing 20 g sourdough/100 g of wheat dough was demonstrated by choosing e.g. Lb. brevis for a starter and by utilization of high ash content of flour, long fermentation time and reduced temperature. Bread specific volume was improved 0.2-0.5 ml/g and hardness was reduced (after 4 days of storage) up to 260 g by using low ash content of flour and by optimizing fermentation time according to the microbial strain. Lactic acid fermentation had more profound influence on both desired and undesired flavour attributes, as well as textural features of bread in comparison with yeast fermentation.