Mushroom Flavor Research Articles

Sensory and hedonic perception of meat versus ultra-processed plant-based meat analogs: A comparative study.

Nowadays, consumption habits are changing for different reasons, and animal products are being replaced by plant-based analogs. Some of these analogs are classified as ultra-processed foods (UPFs) according to NOVA criteria (food classification system). Within this scenario, little is known about consumers' sensory response regarding these new products. One main challenge of plant-based UPFs is imitating both the sensory characteristics and the hedonic experience of meat consumption. Although numerous studies explore the sensory profile of ultra-processed vegan products, we found no comparisons between the sensory profiles of plant-based analogs and their corresponding meat products. The present study aimed to compare the dynamic sensory profiles, specifically focusing on flavor and texture attributes, of animal-based food (beef and chicken meat) and their corresponding commercial ultra-processed plant-based meat analogs (seitan and Mediterranean chick'n pieces) and to establish the adequacy of the intensity of certain sensory characteristics (attributes) and their impact on the acceptability of meat analogs. This was conducted using the time-intensity technique with fourteen trained panelists and just about right scales with 59 consumers, evaluating the acceptability of the products with a 7-point hedonic scale. The dynamic perception results for the analogs significantly differed from those of beef and chicken, specifically showing higher intensity in "nonmeat" attributes such as gumminess, mushroom flavor, vegetable flavor, and spiciness. The attributes that characterize the chicken analog are more suitable than the attributes that characterize seitan. The acceptability of seitan was not significantly influenced by the attribute suitability results. However, poor juiciness showed a significant penalty on its acceptance for the chicken analog. These identified differences highlight the need to evaluate and adjust the sensory characteristics of plant-based products that attempt to imitate traditional meat products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The time-intensity technique was effective in identifying differences in the consumption experience between meat and the respective plant-based analogs. Inadequate taste and texture characteristics can decrease the acceptability of the analogs. The identification of these characteristics is crucial for the food industry to understand consumer preferences regarding meat substitutes.

Exploring the possible mechanisms of X-rays treatment for retention aroma volatiles in shiitake mushrooms during low temperature storage

X-rays irradiation has been demonstrated to effectively preserve the freshness of edible fungi and delay the loss of aroma during storage. In this study, shiitake mushrooms were irradiated with X-rays dose of 0.5 kGy and stored at 2 °C for 35 days. Non-irradiated mushrooms were recorded as control group. Results indicated that 0.5 kGy X-rays treatment preserved the flavor quality by exhibiting higher volatile substance content in shiitake mushrooms. X-rays treatment promoted the activities of lipoxygenase (LOX) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and oxidation of linoleic acid. In addition, the degradation of methionine and cysteine was facilitated by X-rays. Higher enzymes activities for γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and cystine sulfoxide lyase (CS lyase) were found in 0.5 kGy X-rays irradiated mushrooms. These findings suggest that the retention of mushroom flavor by X-rays treatment is closely related to fatty acid metabolism, sulfur-containing amino acid metabolism, and lentinic acid metabolism.

Effects of heat treatment on the profile of volatile flavor components in bamboo shoots

The effects of different heat treatment conditions (105, 110, and 120 °C; 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 min) on the flavor profiles of bamboo shoots were investigated using headspace/solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry/olfactometry-odor activity value (HS/SPME-GC/MS/O-OAV) and sensory analysis. Results indicated noticeable differences in the amount and rate of changes in both original and newly produced flavor components in bamboo shoots at different temperatures. The retention rates of hexanal at 105 °C, 110 °C, and 120 °C were 8.55–34.41%, 7.28–34.32%, and 5.22–11.08%, respectively, whereas (E)-2-hexenal, (E, E)-2,4-heptadienal, (E, Z)-2,6-nonadienal, 1-hexanol, 1-octen-3-ol and 2-pentylfuran were mostly lost after heat treatment. The content of three lipid oxidation compounds (octanal, nonanal, and decanal) increased 75.59–500.67%, while the content of newly generated Maillard reaction compounds (e.g. methional, furfural) increased (0–12.58 μg/kg) with heating temperature and time. Sensory analysis indicated that the bamboo shoots heated at 110 °C for 30 min had the best overall flavor. These findings suggested that moderate heat treatment could eliminate some grassy and mushroom flavors from bamboo shoots, enhancing their sweet flavor. This improvement could be favorable for the consumer acceptance of heat-processed bamboo shoots.

Comprehensive investigation on non-volatile and volatile flavor compounds in the Morchella sextelata and Morchella importuna by UPLC-MS/MS and GC × GC-TOF-MS

Morchella sextelata and Morchella importuna are the main cultivars of morel. However, the key compounds affecting their flavors (taste and odor) are currently unknown. Here, an ultra performance tandem mass spectrometry combined with two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry method was used to detect and relatively quantify the metabolites in both morel cultivars. A total of 631 non-volatile compounds and 242 volatile compounds were identified. The odor activity value was calculated to assess the contribution of key odor volatile. The results indicated that M. importuna had a sweeter flavor than M. sextelata. The former posed more prominent mushroom flavor than the latter based on the correlation analysis of the metabolites. The flavor differences of the two morel cultivars are highly relevant with the content of lipids, carbohydrates, amino acids and derivatives, alcohols and ketones. This study provides new insights into the theoretical basis for the flavor differences in both morel cultivars.

A review on the edible mushroom as a source of special flavor: Flavor categories, influencing factors, and challenges

AbstractEdible mushrooms are highly valued for both their culinary and medicinal properties. Unlike traditional condiments, the complex flavor of mushrooms is not determined by a single component, but rather by the potential synergistic actions of several different components and chemical interactions. However, only a limited number of edible mushroom flavor compounds have been examined in detail, leading to an incomplete understanding of their overall flavor profile. To address this knowledge gap, it is necessary to conduct further scientific research on edible mushroom flavors to maximize their utilization. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the flavor substances found in edible mushrooms, including both volatile and nonvolatile compounds, as well as the mechanisms by which various processing methods affect flavor. Additionally, we will explore the various factors that hinder the development of edible mushroom flavors and recommend strategies to further advance the technological and theoretical understanding of these unique and valuable food ingredients. In summary, by enhancing our understanding of the complex and unique flavor profile of edible mushrooms, we can better leverage their full potential as a valuable culinary and medicinal resource.

New preservation and detection technologies for edible mushrooms: A review.

Edible mushrooms are nutritious, tasty, and have medicinal value, which makes them very popular. Fresh mushrooms have a high water content and a crisp texture. They demonstrate strong metabolic activity after harvesting. However, they are prone to textural changes, microbial infestation, and nutritional and flavor loss, and they therefore require appropriate post-harvest processing and preservation. Important factors affecting safety and quality during their processing and storage include their quality, source, microbial contamination, physical damage, and chemical residues. Thus, these aspects should be tested carefully to ensure safety. In recent years, many new techniques have been used to preserve mushrooms, including electrofluidic drying and cold plasma treatment, as well as new packaging and coating technologies. In terms of detection, many new detection techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), imaging technology, and spectroscopy can be used as rapid and effective means of detection. This paper reviews the new technological methods for processing and detecting the quality of mainstream edible mushrooms. It mainly introduces their working principles and application, and highlights the future direction of preservation, processing, and quality detection technologies for edible mushrooms. Adopting appropriate post-harvest processing and preservation techniques can maintain the organoleptic properties, nutrition, and flavor of mushrooms effectively. The use of rapid, accurate, and non-destructive testing methods can provide a strong assurance of food safety. At present, these new processing, preservation and testing methods have achieved good results but at the same time there are certain shortcomings. So it is recommended that they also be continuously researched and improved, for example through the use of new technologies and combinations of different technologies. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Development of biotechnology for cheese having a noble mould: A relationship between biochemical processes and product quality

Since late 2014, following the embargo, a significant reduction in cheese import, including mould cheese, has been observed. Developing new cheese technologies comprise therefore an urgent task for the milk industry. The cheeses ripened using noble mould represent a wholesome product, rich in protein, which contains many essential amino acids, beneficial for strengthening the walls of blood vessels and reducing angiasthenia. The microorganisms in the cheese starter culture create favourable conditions for healthy microflora in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing fermentation and meteorism. The high content of vitamin B12 in these cheeses has a positive effect on the central nervous system. Any production must be economically viable, lowering the production costs. In order to increase income, and consequently the profitability of production, the method of cheese ripening using a noble mould, obtained from a mixture of whole milk and secondary protein-carbohydrate raw materials, was proposed. The influence of the type of protein-carbohydrate raw material, yeast and mould on the physicochemical and organoleptic properties of the product was investigated. The optimal ratio of raw materials (milk:buttermilk) for cheese production was determined. The relative composition of nitrogen fractions and the presence and amount of volatile fatty acids in the proposed product were also examined. It was shown that proteolysis and lipolysis processes were more intensive in the experimental cheeses produced using a noble mould, resulting in the improvement of organoleptic characteristics of the finished product. The resulting soft cheese having unique characteristics and a tangy mushroom flavour can be recommended for production in cheese factories.

Влияние способов сушки лисички обыкновенной (Cantharellus cibarius) на биологическую ценность сухого функционального грибного ингредиента

Common chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius) has a high biopotential for use in functional nutrition. The aim of the work is to study the effect of drying methods on the biological value of dry functional mushroom ingredient from the fruit bodies of chanterelle mushrooms. The fruit bodies of Cantharellus cibarius collected in Kingisepp district of Leningrad region (Russia) were the object of the study. It was found that the content of the main components in the chemical composition of mushrooms in Kingisepp district slightly differs from the reference data; the content of minerals manganese, potassium, and vitamins D, C, and B3 provides the daily requirement of the human body in these substances, as for the heavy metals content – strontium and zinc were found in insignificant amounts. Analysis of the fatty acid composition of the mushrooms showed that the content of linoleic and oleic acids is of interest for obtaining a food ingredient. To obtain a functional mushroom ingredient, lyophilic drying for 34 h, heat drying at 70ºC for 12 h and at 50ºC for 24 h were used. Six samples were studied: lyophilic drying (cubes), 50ºC heat drying (chips), 70ºC heat drying (whole mushroom), and powders from fruit bodies dried by lyophilic drying, 50ºC and 70ºC heat drying. Based on the comparative analysis of samples according to organoleptic quality indicators, recommendations were given for the use of dry ingredients: samples after lyophilic drying (cubes) are recommended to create the presence of mushroom pieces in functional products, powders obtained by heat drying – to give the product mushroom flavor and aroma. In the recommended samples the content of vitamins B1, B2, A, E, B3, and B6 was determined. The maximum preservation of vitamins A, B1, B3, and B6 in the samples dried by lyophilic drying and heat drying at 70ºС was established.

Cutting root treatment combined with low-temperature storage regimes on non-volatile and volatile compounds of Oudemansiella raphanipes

Oudemansiella raphanipes (O. raphanipes) has recently been gaining popularity due to its active and flavor compounds. In this study, the profiles of phenolics, flavonoids, non-volatile and volatile compounds of fresh O. raphanipes were subjected to cutting root (CR) and pulling root (PR) harvesting methods during different storage temperatures (5 °C and 20 °C) were investigated. The results showed that CR treatment effectively increased phenolic and flavonoid contents, maintained the sensory scores and the umami value based on e-tongue, increased more C8 volatile contents, and inhibited off-flavor acids production during 5 °C storage. The EUC values of the fresh O. raphanipes ranged from 4.72 to 23.66 g monosodium glutamate (MSG) 100 g−1, which TAVs were at a relatively high level in CR treatment than in PR treatment. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed statistically significant differences in different harvesting methods that affected the mushroom flavor. Eleven components were screened as taste characteristics contributors by partial least squares regression model (PLS-R) analysis, including Glu, umami nucleotides, and 1-octene-3-ol and 3-octanone. Thus, the cutting root treatment is a promising method for obtaining the high flavor quality of fresh O. raphanipes during cooling storage.

A multiplicative approach to optimize the consumer properties of quick-frozen semifinished products from cultivated champignons

It is possible to maximise the consumer properties of grown fruit and vegetable products, significantly reduce their losses during the life cycle, and satisfy the public demand for products ready for consumption by using different preservation methods, particularly freezing. It has been found that the freezing of mushrooms without pretreatment does not provide a high-quality finished product. It justifies the expediency of mushroom pretreatment before freezing to stabilize their consumer properties. The inhibition effect of high temperatures on the oxidoreductase activity has been confirmed, ensuring the high preservation of cultivated champignons' natural color and consistency. A quasimetric assessment of the quality of quick-frozen cultivated mushrooms was performed, and the optimal heat treatment parameters were determined. Before freezing, blanched mushrooms' efficiency with polysaccharides has been scientifically proved. Rational concentrations and types of polysaccharides for mushroom processing have been determined. It has been established that blanching champignons in 0.1% citric acid solution followed by xanthan gum (0.2%), guar gum (0.1%), and lamidan (0.1%) processing ensure stability of consumer properties of quick-frozen semifinished products made of cultured champignons. After defrosting, they have an attractive appearance, natural light brown colour, elastic consistency, well-expressed mushroom flavour, and harmonious taste.

Impact of Auricularia cornea var. Li polysaccharides on the physicochemical, textual, flavor, and antioxidant properties of set yogurt

This study evaluated quality attributes and in vivo antioxidant activity of Auricularia cornea var. Li polysaccharide (ACP)-fortified set yogurt during 21 days of storage (4 °C). Set yogurt was manufactured using a commercial yogurt culture, and 3% (w/v) ACP was added. Physicochemical (pH, titratable acidity, and water-holding capacity), textural, rheological, microstructural, flavor, and antioxidant properties of set yogurt were investigated. The results showed that the addition of ACP significantly enhanced WHC, viscosity, firmness, and cohesiveness, while inhibiting post-acidification of set yogurt during storage. The yogurt supplemented with ACP showed a larger hysteresis area and higher G′ and G″ values, formed a porous, dense, mesh-like structure and exhibited a unique mushroom flavor. Antioxidant results showed that administration of ACP-fortified yogurt significantly decreased serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzyme activities and malondialdehyde levels, while increasing superoxide dismutase, catalase, phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity in the liver and hippocampus of the mice. ACP-fortified yogurt might alleviate hepatic damage and hippocampal neuroinflammation induced by d-galactose. Additionally, ACP-fortified yogurt downregulated the expression of Keap1 and upregulated the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in the liver. In conclusion, ACP may be used as an ingredient to produce yogurt with desired properties.

Consumer's perception and expected liking of labels of burgers with sodium reduction and addition of mushroom flavor enhancer

This study investigated consumers' perception of labels of burgers with sodium reduction and/or addition of mushroom flavor enhancer. Six visual stimuli were created using a factorial design with sodium content (regular, sodium-reduced, and sodium-reduced plus health claim) and flavor enhancer (monosodium glutamate (MSG) and mushroom extract) as factors. Consumers answered an attitudinal questionnaire and evaluated the stimuli through expected liking and check-all-that-apply (CATA) questions. Three consumers' clusters were identified, which associated positive attributes to labels of burgers with mushroom flavor enhancer and negative attributes to labels of MSG-burgers, regardless of sodium content. The main positive drivers of liking were “I would buy”, “attractive”, “innovative”, “tasty”, and “contain fewer additives”, which were associated with burgers with mushroom flavor enhancer, while “contain additives”, “processed”, “artificial”, “unhealthy”, and “not attractive” were the negative drivers of liking that should be modified in a reformulation to increase liking. This study provides valuable information for the development of healthier burgers and their positioning in the market.

Effects of Drying Process on the Volatile and Non-Volatile Flavor Compounds of Lentinula edodes.

In this study, fresh Lentinula edodes was dehydrated using freeze-drying (FD), hot-air drying (HAD), and natural drying (ND), and the volatile and non-volatile flavor compounds were analyzed. The drying process changed the contents of eight-carbon compounds and resulted in a weaker “mushroom flavor” for dried L. edodes. HAD mushrooms had higher levels of cyclic sulfur compounds (56.55 μg/g) and showed a stronger typical shiitake mushroom aroma than those of fresh (7.24 μg/g), ND (0.04 μg/g), and FD mushrooms (3.90 μg/g). The levels of 5′-nucleotide increased, whereas the levels of organic acids and free amino acids decreased after the drying process. The dried L. edodes treated with FD had the lowest levels of total free amino acids (29.13 mg/g). However, it had the highest levels of umami taste amino acids (3.97 mg/g), bitter taste amino acids (6.28 mg/g) and equivalent umami concentration (EUC) value (29.88 g monosodium glutamate (MSG) per 100 g). The results indicated that FD was an effective drying method to produce umami flavor in dried mushrooms. Meanwhile, HAD can be used to produce a typical shiitake mushroom aroma. Our results provide a theoretical basis to manufacture L. edodes products with a desirable flavor for daily cuisine or in a processed form.

Relationship between flavor and energy status in shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) harvested at different developmental stages.

To understand the relationship between flavor and energy, the flavor, energy, and enzyme activity related to energy metabolism in shiitake mushrooms harvested at different developmental stages were investigated. The results indicated that the adenosine triphosphate level increased significantly in developing mushrooms and was strongly correlated with the fresh weight. The levels of equivalent umami concentration (EUC), total aroma compounds, energy charge, adenosine triphosphatase, cytochrome c oxidase, and succinic dehydrogenase varied with maturity. In addition, a strong correlation was observed between aroma compounds, EUC, and energy status (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that the unique flavor of developing shiitake mushroom is closely related to energy. The findings may provide a new strategy to improve the flavor of mushrooms by regulating their energy levels. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The unique flavor of shiitake mushroom, which has a significant impact on consumer preferences, is one of its key characteristics. This research paper provides a theoretical foundation for determining the optimal harvest period for shiitake mushrooms with high quality and a new strategy to improve the flavor of mushrooms by regulating their energy levels.

Consumer acceptance of egg white partially substituted with mushrooms and mushroom-egg white flavor pairing.

Mushroom possesses a distinctive sensory quality and unique nutrients. Its pairing with egg white and consumer acceptance has never been investigated. In this study, formulated mushroom–egg white patty prototypes (white and crimini mushrooms at 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%, either oven roasted or steamed) were evaluated by 380 participants for acceptance and intensity of nine sensory attributes. Mushroom–egg white patty prototypes received positive hedonic scores for overall acceptance and the likeability of overall flavor, mushroom flavor, meaty flavor, egg white flavor, overall texture, and firmness. Consumer overall acceptance was most strongly and positively correlated with overall flavor liking, followed by overall appearance and overall texture likeability. Additionally, the likeability of flavor pairing between mushroom and egg white was rated positively across all 16 patties, indicating a good flavor match of mushroom and egg white. Consumer hedonic levels toward mushroom patties were significantly (p ≤ .05) impacted by cooking method, mushroom type, and mushroom level. The addition of mushroom was acceptable up to 20%, with steam method and crimini mushroom most preferred. The results provided new insights into consumer attitudes and potentially important sensory factors affecting the acceptability of mushroom–egg white patties, consequently increasing the utilization and consumption of mushrooms and mushroom‐blended products.

Selenium-enriched Lactobacillus plantarum improves the antioxidant activity and flavor properties of fermented Pleurotus eryngii

The effects of selenium (Se) addition methods on antioxidant activity and flavor properties of fermented Pleurotus eryngii (P. eryngii) using Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) inoculated and natural fermentation were investigated. After fermentation, the Se-enrichment rates in fruiting bodies of Se-added fermented P. eryngii were all more than 50%. Se addition, especially in the form of Se-enriched L. plantarum inoculation, had a significantly positive effect on total phenolic content and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Non-volatiles analysis revealed that the highest ration of lactic acid to acetic acid and the highest umami intensity were observed in P. eryngii fermented by inoculating Se-enriched L. plantarum (Lp-Se). Principal components analysis and cluster analysis of volatiles clearly separated Se-treated and plain experiments, which mainly due to dissimilarities in alcohols, aldehydes and ketones. Additionally, Lp-Se obtained the highest alcohols, especially 1-octen-3-ol with mushroom flavor. In short, Se-enriched L. plantarum inoculation could produce high-quality fermented P. eryngii.

Volatile profiles of two genotype Agaricus bisporus species at different growth stages

The compositions of volatile compounds in fresh mushrooms varied with their genotype species, maturity and growth conditions. This study aimed to identify volatile compounds in five growth stages of two genotype (A15 and W192) Agaricus bisporus species and used mathematical analysis to explain result. A total of 67 different compounds were identified by HS-SPME-GC-MS. Nine key-aroma substances including alcohols, ketones and aldehydes were found by Venn diagram and odor activity values. This improved method can be quickly analyzed the different samples characteristic volatile compounds without time consuming through quantifications. The sum of aroma compounds concentration was highest in the seedling stage (0.5–1.5 cm) and decreased with growth. Meanwhile, benzene acetaldehyde and 3-octanone as dominate parts of overall-aroma maybe affected by benzaldehyde and 3-nonanon during the mushroom growth. Since the harvest stage (3–5 cm). The mushroom flavor of A15 is more abundant than that of W192, therefore, A15 is more suitable for industrial production.

The role of heat treatment in light oxidation of fluid milk

Light-oxidized flavor (LOF) resulting from photooxidation of riboflavin following light exposure is one of the most common off-flavors in fluid milk. The sensory perception of LOF has been studied extensively in high temperature, short time pasteurized (HTST) milk, but few studies have evaluated ultrapasteurized (UP) milk. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of heat treatment in the development of LOF in UP fluid skim milk. Skim milk was processed by HTST or by direct steam injection (DSI-UP) and subsequently exposed to 2,000-lx light-emitting diode light for various times. Sensory properties were monitored by descriptive analysis and threshold tests, and volatile compounds were evaluated by solid phase microextraction with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Dissolved oxygen and riboflavin were determined at each time point using an oxygen meter and ultra-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector, respectively. The entire experiment was performed in triplicate. Typical cardboard and mushroom flavors (LOF) were detected by trained panelists in HTST milk after 3.5 h of light exposure. In contrast, LOF was not detected by trained panelists in UP milk until 36 h of light exposure. Similarly, the best estimate threshold for LOF from untrained consumers (n = 101) was higher for DSI-UP milk (61.0 h) than for HTST milk (15.2 h). Milks with LOF were characterized by higher relative abundance of the lipid oxidation compounds hexanal and heptanal. Dissolved oxygen (DO) and riboflavin concentrations decreased with increased light exposure time, and the decrease was slower in UP milk compared with HTST milk. Initial DO concentration was investigated as a possible influence in LOF development because DSI-UP milks had lower initial DO concentrations than HTST milks. However, follow-up evaluations of deaerated HTST milks suggested that DO was not a significant factor in LOF development. These results demonstrate that UP milk is less sensitive to LOF than HTST milk, possibly due to sensory masking effects or antioxidant effects of volatile sulfur compounds. An enhanced understanding of light and storage effects on milks will assist with best practices when transporting and displaying fluid milk products for sale.

Effects of nitric oxide treatment on flavour compounds and antioxidant enzyme activities of button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) during storage

Abstract Button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) is sold well for its unique flavour and nutritional benefits. However, the mushroom flavour deteriorates quickly during storage because of its delicate structure and high moisture. In this study, the effects of nitric oxide (NO) application on flavour compounds and antioxidant enzyme activities of stored button mushrooms were investigated. The button mushrooms were immersed in the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (15 μmol/L) for 3 min and then stored under the condition of 4 °C, 90% relative humidity for 12 days. Results showed that the treated mushrooms have reduced weight loss rate, uniform white colour, and higher firmness during storage. Compared to the control, the ketones, alcohols, esters, and aldehydes in the NO-treated button mushroom increased sharply at 3 days of storage and then showed a continuing decline trend, except ester compounds which reached the peak value at 6 days of storage. In addition, NO treatment increased the total phenolics and catalase activity and inhibited the polyphenol oxidase activity in the stored button mushroom. These results indicated that NO treatment is an alternative storage technology to enhance antioxidant capacity and maintain flavour and consumer acceptance of stored button mushroom.

Development of a Sensory Flavor Lexicon for Mushrooms and Subsequent Characterization of Fresh and Dried Mushrooms.

Mushrooms are a nutritious versatile ingredient in many food products. They are low in calories and have various potential medicinal properties as well. Surprisingly, little research on their descriptive sensory properties has been conducted. The objectives of this study were to a) establish a descriptive sensory flavor lexicon for the evaluation of fresh, dried, and powdered mushrooms and 2) use that lexicon to compare a selection of different mushrooms of various species and in fresh dried and powdered forms. A lexicon for describing mushroom was developed using a consensus profile method. A highly trained, descriptive sensory panel identified, defined, and referenced 27 flavor attributes for commercially available mushroom samples prepared as “meat” and broth. Attributes could be grouped in categories such as musty (dusty/papery, earthy/humus, earthy/damp, earthy/potato, fermented, leather (new), leather (old), mold/cheesy, moldy/damp, mushroomy), and other attributes such as fishy, shell fish, woody, nutty, brown, green, cardboard, burnt/ashy, potato, umami, protein (vegetable), yeasty, bitter, salty, sweet aromatics, sour, and astringent. Samples were then tested in three replications and mean values were compared statistically. In addition, principal component analysis was used to understand the characteristics of mushrooms evaluated. Dried mushrooms showed bitter, burnt, musty/dusty, astringent, old leather, and fresh mushroom characteristics and fresh mushroom showed umami, sweet, earthy/potato, earthy/damp, yeasty, and fermented. Mushrooms were grouped and differentiated in similar ways regardless of whether they were tested as broth or “meat”. Mushroom growers, product developers, chefs and other culinary professionals, sensory scientists, researchers, the food industry, and ultimately consumers will benefit from this lexicon describing a wide variety of mushroom flavor properties.