Dissimilarity scaling and INDSCAL analysis in the study of flavour differences between normal pHu and DFD beef

Abstract

AbstractOverall dissimilarity measurement of paired stimuli followed by Individual Differences Scaling (INDSCAL) analysis was used to study flavour perception in a set of beef extracts. The experiment was designed to determine whether pH contributed to flavour difference between beef of “normal” ultimate pH (pHu5.8) and “dark‐cutting” (DFD) beef (pHu6.2). Assessors distinguished the flavour of “normal” pHu and DFD beef both by a combination of pH and titratable acidity, and a second dimension independent of pH. The chemicals added to adjust pH independently of the original muscle composition contributed a third flavour dimension. Substantial assessor variation was observed in the relative weight given to the three flavour dimensions, and this is discussed in relation to the task of judging overall dissimilarity.