Comparison of electronic systems with sensory analysis for the quality evaluation of parenica cheese

Abstract

The applicability of electronic systems for the quality evaluation of parenica cheese was investigated in fresh smoked and unsmoked cheeses and after seven days of storage. These data were then compared with sensory evaluation results. Fresh samples had stable colour profiles determined by the electronic eye, while the differences in brown colour intensity were confirmed by sensory evaluation. A significant difference in the aroma profiles of samples was recorded by the electronic nose in samples produced in February, April, December (unsmoked cheese) and September (smoked cheese). Based on sensory analysis results using the Wilcoxon nonparametric test, a significant difference was confirmed in February (smoked cheese) and March (unsmoked cheese), when stored cheese had a stronger aroma than fresh cheese (P < 0.05). The suitability of electronic nose and electronic eye for monitoring of parenica cheese quality was confirmed.