Rate-all-that-apply Research Articles

Understanding the relationship between tropical fruit aroma, acceptance, and emotional response in chardonnay wines

Tropical fruit aromas are prominent in many white wines. The purpose of this work was to determine if winemaking practices could impact the tropical fruit aromas in the Chardonnay wines and how those aroma differences influenced wine consumers acceptance and emotional responses. Four treatments were tested at varying fermentation temperature gradients and skin contact times: control fermentation at 13 °C with no skin contact (Control), fermentation at 13 °C with 18 h of skin contact (SC), fermentation temperature gradient by time (20 °C for 4 days then reduced to 13 °C) with no skin contact (FG), fermentation temperature gradient by time with 18 h of skin contact (SCFG). Acceptance, using a 7-point hedonic scale, showed there was not a significant difference between treatments. Emotional response, using a 5-point Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA) scale, showed significant differences for ‘calm’ and ‘disgusted’ emotions. Check-all-that-apply (CATA) for aroma descriptors showed that Control is described using aromas of passionfruit, lychee, and pome fruit; SC had aromas of grapefruit and floral; FG was described as having melon, lychee, and pineapple aromas; and SCFG was described with aromas of lemon/lime, mango, and guava. Positive emotions were associated with fruity aromas in the wines, although no difference in acceptance was found. Winemaking treatments impacted the aroma profile of chardonnay wine, with tropical aromas evoking positive emotions in consumers. The relationship between specific aromas and consumers emotion responses can be an important tool to understand the factors behind a wine’s success or lack thereof. Moreover, it can help with the creation of new wine products.

Quick insights into whisky — investigating rapid and efficient methods for sensory evaluation and chemical analysis

The evaluation of aroma properties of beverages, both analytically as well as with human sensory studies, is a challenging task and most often related to time- and cost-intensive analyses. Whisky is a spirit offering a wide variety of aroma impressions caused by a complex mixture of aroma active compounds. In the present study, methods for the efficient evaluation of aroma characteristics are evaluated for 16 whisky samples of different origins (Scotch and American). Rate all that apply (RATA) was applied as a rapid method for the sensory evaluation of whiskies. Sensory evaluation of the samples led to the determination of eight significant aroma attributes: caramel-/cream caramel-/toffee-like, vanilla-like, (canned) peach-like, phenolic, smoky, fruity, flowery and (fermented) apple-/cider-like. Chemical analysis was conducted by stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in combination with an in-house data processing tool for semi-automated analyte detection. Through chemical analysis of the whisky samples and automated compound detection, we report over 200 mostly aroma-active volatiles. To test both approaches for their potential for sample classification, a simple classification problem (Scotch vs. American) was applied. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) indicates both that sensory evaluation by RATA (97.86%) and the applied analytical procedure (96.94%) are suitable for the distinction between the two whisky types. In both approaches, potential markers were determined for the classification. These investigations build a solid foundation for the implementation of a versatile platform facilitating rapid and efficient aroma evaluation in various foodstuffs and beverages.

Comparison of Pivot Profile (PP), Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA), and Pivot-CATA for the sensory profiling of commercial Chinese tea products

Rapid sensory profiling methods relying on consumers' perceptions are getting prevalent and broadly utilized by labs and companies to supersede conventional sensory profiling methodologies. Till now, various intensity-based sensory methods such as the newly proposed Pivot-Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) are limitedly developed and compared. In this investigation, Pivot Profile (PP), Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA), and Pivot-CATA methods were applied and validated using tea consumers and commercial Chinese tea products as samples. Data from three approaches were collected, analyzed by correspondence analysis (CA), and used to compare the three methods assessing the panel assessment process, sensory maps, confidence ellipses, and practical applications. Pivot-CATA exhibited a high similarity with RATA (RV = 0.873), and a lower similarity with PP (RV = 0.629). Of the three intensity-related methods, confidence ellipses on the RATA sensory map were the smallest and overlapped the least. However, Pivot-CATA consumed less time in collecting data and its questionnaire was more friendly to participants compared with PP and made the difference in intensity of samples more noticeable to the participants than RATA due to the existence of the pivot sample. Its experimental versatility also allows for a wide range of applications, indicating that the Pivot-CATA is an approach with great promise for routine use.

Impact of replacing sugar with Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves on the physical–chemical and sensory characteristics of gluten‐free and lactose‐free cake

SummaryThis study evaluated the influence of replacing sugar with Stevia rebaudiana leaves on gluten‐ and lactose‐free cakes' sensory and physicochemical characteristics. The cakes underwent microbiological analysis, texture profile, specific volume, acceptance test and purchase intention, as well as the rate‐all‐that‐apply (RATA) descriptive test. With the results of the acceptance test and texture profile, the desirability function was applied in order to obtain an optimised formulation (FO) with lower values for hardness and chewiness and higher values for overall acceptance. As the stevia content in the cakes increased, the acceptability of these attributes decreased, and the same occurred with purchase intention. In the texture profile, only hardness, chewiness, gumminess and specific volume showed significant differences, influenced by the sugar content, since this component adds positively to the dough and texture of the cakes. Applying the desirability function, the optimised formulation presented a composition of 65% (1.95 g) of stevia and 35% (35 g) of sugar, and new analyses were performed, with a global acceptance of 7.20, for example. It was concluded that it was possible to make gluten‐free and lactose‐free cakes by applying stevia leaves. However, this addition should be done moderately since it is inversely proportional to the acceptability of the attributes.

Investigation on consumer perception and acceptance of wheat beer using sorted napping and rate‐all‐that‐apply (RATA) questions

SummaryThis study aimed to investigate consumer perceptions and acceptance of wheat beer products. Twelve samples were evaluated using the sorted napping (SN) (n = 44) to classify them based on similarity, and the samples were divided into six groups. Based on the SN results, six representative samples with different attributes were used for further consumer testing. The consumers (n = 102) rated the likings, and the intensities of the attributes were evaluated using rate‐all‐that‐apply (RATA) questions. Although the six samples were classified into different segments by SN, no difference was found in consumer acceptance. For the segmentation of consumer groups by their liking patterns of the samples, the consumers were divided into three clusters. Interestingly, the intensities of most of the RATA terms did not differ by cluster; however, the intensities of very few RATA terms were evaluated differently by cluster. In particular, S6 in Cluster 3, which had the lowest acceptability among the samples, was relatively high in bitterness and alcohol flavour. Characteristics such as bitterness and alcohol flavour, which can be affected by personal traits (e.g. sensitivity to bitterness), were related to the drivers of dislike for wheat beer products.

Can flavour and texture defects of plant-based burger patties be mitigated by combining them with a bun and tomato sauce?

Common challenges for plant-based meat replacers are undesired (inherent) off-flavours (flavour defects) such as beany flavour or bitter taste, which are often associated with the use of plant proteins in meat replacers. Furthermore, plant-based meat replacers are often perceived as dry and lack juiciness and tenderness (texture defects). However, many foods are not consumed in isolation and sensory properties, and their acceptance, can be altered by the addition of other food components or condiments.The study aimed to compare the sensory properties and acceptance of commercially available plant-based burger patties eaten alone and in combination with other foods and/or condiments. Liking and sensory properties of a beef and two plant-based (soy and hemp) patties consumed alone, with a bun, with tomato sauce, and with a bun and tomato sauce were determined using a hedonic scale and Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA) methodology, respectively.For both plant-based patties (hemp, soy) bitter taste, beany and nutty flavour intensity remained but decreased with addition of a bun and/or sauce, but positive liking drivers such as meaty and fat flavour were also reduced. This suggests that these off-flavours can only be partly mitigated by the addition of a bun and/or sauce, but clearly cannot be masked completely. Hemp patties were perceived to have a high amount of chunks, which was a driver of disliking. This texture defect decreased with the addition of a bun and a bun with sauce. Off-flavours and texture defects of the hemp- and soy-based patties were too intense to be fully masked and could only be mitigated to a limited extent by the addition of a bun and/or tomato sauce. Notably, these reductions in off-flavour and texture defects were not sufficient to impact liking. The results highlight the importance of understanding product performance in realistic consumption scenarios. Addition of further ingredients and condiments, as is typical in a burger context, may be advantageous, but further research is required to test such a hypothesis.

Metabolomic and sensomic approach to characterize key aroma of aromatic mangoes from Indonesia

Abstract. Belgis M, Witono Y, Giyarto, Sadek NF, Masruroh EL, Herlina. 2023. Metabolomic and sensomic approach to characterize key aroma of aromatic mangoes from Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 2242-2250. Garifta Merah, Garifta Orange, and Agri Gardina 45 are new mango cultivars with a strong aroma and attractive color from Indonesia. This study investigated aromatic constituents and sensory profiles using a combination of metabolomic and sensomic approaches of Garifta Merah, garifta Orange, and Gardina 45. Volatile compounds were extracted using Head Space-Solid Phase Microextraction (HS-SPME), then identified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Sensory descriptive Rate All That Apply (RATA) and hedonic tests were used for sensory attributes profiling and aroma-liking evaluation. Monoterpene hydrocarbons were the predominant volatile compound in all cultivars; however, it was also accompanied by esters in Garifta Orange and Agri Gardina 45. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) classified those cultivars into different groups. Garifta Merah was characterized by higher ?-pinene, while Garifta Orange was characterized by high ethyl butanoate. Agri Gardina was in the separate group characterized by ?-trans ocimene, ethyl butanoate, and isopentyl butanoate. The identified compounds in all cultivars had Odor Active Value (OAV)>1 and correlated to their sensory profile described by assessors. Garifta Orange was perceived to have the highest overall aroma liking among all cultivars. It was presumably due to the high ethyl butanoate content related to the pineapple, mango, fruity, and fermented attributes.

Sensory Profile on Robusta Coffee by Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA)

Coffee flavor strongly influences consumers preference. Geographical location is one factor influencing the flavor of Robusta coffee. Descriptive sensory using RATA was used to differentiate the sensory profiles of several Robusta coffees. Sensomic approach by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) success- fully differentiated Robusta coffee from Jember Regency, East Java, Indonesia. It showed that Robusta from different growing locations has specific sensory characteristics. Robusta coffee from Gunung Malang, Tanggul, and Pakis was characterized by sweet and acid aromas, while coffee from Kemiri was characterized by sweet and sour taste, brown color, bitter aroma, and rough mouthfeel. Meanwhile Sidomulyo I and Sidomulyo II coffees, which were grown near each other and at similar altitudes, have similar characteristics, although the process was different. Both coffees have bitter aftertastes and bodies, burnt aromas, astringent flavors, and high levels of bitterness. In contrast, Robusta Rowosari, Tugusari, and Badean were characterized by low sweetness, sourness, bitter aroma, and rough mouthfeel.

Role of continuous phase and particle properties on the sensory perception of root vegetable purées evaluated by an expert panel and naïve consumers.

Textural properties play an essential role in the development of food products. The complexity of textural attributes has been traditionally overcome with extensive panelist training and the use of generic descriptive analysis. A better understanding on the use of rapid methods with naïve consumers to evaluate texture attributes in complex food products is still needed. The present study aimed to investigate the (i) role of different continuous phases and particle properties (i.e., size and hardness) on the mouthfeel perception of root vegetable purées and (ii) the effect of panel expertise (sensory experts vs. naïve consumers) using Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA). The study included six purées made of two different continuous phase (based on Jerusalem artichoke which is rich in inulin and, parsnip which is rich in starch) and three types of beetroot particles (raw, cooked, and comminuted beetroot). Results showed that both panels were able to discriminate and profile in a similar manner. However, sensory experts showed higher ability to discriminate between samples regarding the particle's attributes whereas consumer's sample discrimination was influenced by attributes such as "ease of swallow" and "creaminess." For the expert panel, the presence of hard particles was a clear factor driving the differences between samples. Our results highlighted the contribution of both continuous and dispersed phases to design the texture profile of particulate semisolid plant-based foods.

Development of a Hierarchical Rate-All-That-Apply (HRATA) methodology for the aromatic characterisation of wine

Wine aromatic characterisation is generally a complex task, even for well-trained assessors. To facilitate such characterisation, aroma terms are typically arranged in some sort of hierarchical structure, such as aroma wheels. However, information about this structure is lost with existing data acquisition and treatment methods. To fill this gap, we propose a new approach, Hierarchical-Rate-All-That-Apply (HRATA), for the characterisation of products. It combines the Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA) methodology with a hierarchical structuring of general and specific attributes. The aim is first to facilitate data acquisition and, secondly, to account for the hierarchical links among attributes during data analysis. We applied an HRATA approach to the characterisation of five rosé wines by 66 subjects based on 118 hierarchically structured aromatic attributes. Using monadic evaluation, assessors were asked to select all the attributes that characterised each wine and to rate their intensity on a three-point scale. For the data analysis, an initial coding step was carried out to represent the hierarchical structure of the attributes, which also made it possible to manage a large amount of non-evaluated data. After that, statistical tests and multivariate analyses were tailored for both the identification of discriminating attributes and the determination of a product map. Finally, the characterisation obtained with HRATA was compared to the results obtained from a descriptive analysis (DA) conducted by a trained panel. HRATA represents an interesting alternative for obtaining aromatic characterisation using a panel of subjects without collective common training or with diverse skill sets.

Investigating wine astringency profiles by characterizing tannin fractions in Cabernet Sauvignon wines and model wines

Contribution of various phenols on wine astringency profiles was far from clear explanations. To effectively describe wine astringency profiles and determined the function of tannins/matrix (pH and ethanol), multiple chemical analyses combined RATA (Rate-all-that-apply) sensory method were applied in Cabernet Sauvignon and model wines. Results showed that polymeric flavanols determined the bulk of wine astringency intensity, oligomeric tannins enriched the smoothness and periodontium astringency, and monomeric phenol enhanced overall astringency intensity through synergistic effect. Astringency balance was effectively quantification, and its potential correlation relationship with epicatechin extension subunit (0.83) and fluorescence peak shift (0.75) cannot be ignored. The astringency profiles of condensed tannins with anthocyanins were enhanced. Low-pH (from 3.8 to 3.0) enhanced astringency by increasing the tannins affinity to proteins, while ethanol (from 10.0 % ∼ 15.0 %) decreased the hydrophobicity bond between tannins-protein interaction. This paper provided new insights to explain wine astringency profiles and a reference for astringency modification during winemaking.

Development and Validation of a Multilingual Lexicon as a Key Tool for the Sensory Analyses and Consumer Tests of Blueberry and Raspberry Fruit

A comprehensive lexicon is a necessary communication tool between the panel leader and panelists to describe each sensory stimulus potentially evoked by a product. In the current scientific breeding and trading scenario, a multilingual sensory lexicon is necessary to ensure the consistency of sensory evaluations when tests are conducted across countries and/or with international panelists. This study aimed to develop a reference multilingual lexicon for raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) and blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) to perform comparative sensory tests through panels operating in different countries using their native language. Attributes were collected from state-of-the-art literature and integrated with a detailed description of the sensory stimulus associated with each term. A panel of sensory judges was trained to test lexicon efficacy. After training, panelists evaluated three cultivars of blueberry and raspberry through RATA (Rate All That Apply), which allowed missing attributes to be excluded while rating those actually present. Results showed the discerning efficacy of the lexicon developed can be a valuable tool for planning sensory evaluations held in different countries, opening up further possibilities to enrich blueberry and raspberry descriptor lists with emerging terms from local experience and evaluations of berry genotypes with peculiar traits.

Advancing textural heterogeneity: Effect of manipulating multi-component model foods on the perception of textural complexity

The aim of this study was to identify the individual and interacting effects of varying the mechanical properties of two inserts (к-carrageenan beads; 1, 2 and 4% w/w and/or agar-based disks; 0.3, 1.2 and 3% w/w) in pectin-based gels on the perception of textural complexity.A full factorial design was utilised, 16 samples were characterised with sensory and instrumental tests. Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA) was performed by 50 untrained participants. RATA selection frequency provided different information to attribute intensity regarding the detection of low yield stress inserts.In the two-component samples, the perception of textural complexity (n = 89) increased with insert yield stress for both к-carrageenan beads and agar disks. However, with the addition of medium and high yield stress к-carrageenan beads to three-component samples, the increases in perceived textural complexity caused by increased agar yield stress were eliminated.The definition of textural complexity, the number and intensity of texture sensations, as well as their interactions and contrasts, was in line with the results, and the hypothesis that not only mechanical properties but also the interaction of components play a key role in the perception of textural complexity.

Influence of water hardness on functional and sensory quality of cold infused robusta coffee leaf tea

Cold infused technique is one of the brewing methods that potentially able to preserve coffee leaf tea functional properties. It is mainly attributed to the absence of heat treatment during its processes. However, without involving heat, the sensory quality of cold brewing tea is generally weak. To overcome this issue, it was hypothesized that water quality used for the brewing is important to govern optimum functional properties of Robusta coffee leaf tea and at the same time to maintain its sensory quality. In this current study, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was applied by implementing Box-Behnken Design (BBD) to optimize both total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity by modifying length and temperature of cold brewing as well as its water and coffee leaf powder ratio. There were 3 different commercial drinking water used for brewing to represent 3 different hardness level of water. All optimum brewed coffee leaf tea was then sensorially evaluated by Rate All That Apply (RATA) method. It was found that level of water hardness is positively correlated to TPC but negatively correlated to brewing temperature as well as water and coffee leaf powder ratio. It was also found that the higher level of water hardness, both fruity and marine aroma tended to be more intense (p-value<0.05). Meanwhile the lower level of water hardness tended to enhance sweet aroma and astringent mouth-feel (p-value<0.05) of cold infused coffee leaf tea.

Influence of thickeners (microfibrillated cellulose, starch, xanthan gum) on rheological, tribological and sensory properties of low-fat mayonnaises

Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) is obtained by high-shear treatment of cellulose. MFC is suitable for use as clean-label, low-calorie thickener in semi-solid foods such as mayonnaises due to its high water holding capacity. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of type and concentration of thickener on rheological, tribological and sensory properties of low-fat mayonnaises. Low-fat mayonnaises were prepared with four types of thickeners (MFC, chemically modified starch, native waxy corn starch, xanthan gum) at three concentrations. Higher biopolymer concentrations resulted in increased shear viscosities, G′ and G″, yield stress and enhanced lubrication (i.e. lower friction coefficients). Mayonnaises with modified starch and xanthan gum generally had higher shear viscosity and yield stress compared to mayonnaises with comparable concentrations of MFC and waxy corn starch. MFC-thickened mayonnaises had highest G’, G” and boundary friction coefficients. Sensory properties of mayonnaises were determined using the Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA) method (n = 80). Addition of xanthan gum induced high sliminess and pulpiness, and low melting, creaminess and smoothness. Sensory properties of mayonnaises with MFC were generally similar to those with modified and waxy corn starch, despite differences in appearance (increased yellowness and slightly lower glossiness). Multiple Factor Analysis revealed that more shear-thinning mayonnaises were perceived as slimy. Boundary friction was negatively correlated with stickiness, while friction at the start of the hydrodynamic regime was positively correlated with melting sensations. We conclude that microfibrillated cellulose can be used as a thickener in low-fat mayonnaise as an alternative to commercially used chemically modified starch without considerably affecting its sensory texture properties.

Jelly candy enriched with BRS Violeta grape juice: Anthocyanin retention and sensory evaluation

This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of grape juice, despite being from immature grape, as a bioingredient and natural coloring in jelly candy. The product was made containing BRS Violeta grape juice, gelatin, honey, agar and natural aroma. The qualitative and quantitative composition of anthocyanins present in the grapes, the juice produced, and the juice-containing jelly candy were determined using HPLC-DAD- ESI -MS/MSn; and, sensory analysis methods (acceptance and Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA)) were used to assess the quality of the candy produced. The product had a concentration of total anthocyanins (mg malvidin-3,5-glucoside·kg fruit−1) of 686.78, with a retention of 41% in relation to the concentration determined in the juice. However, compared to the grape, the concentration of diglycosylated anthocyanins, including the coumarylated ones, increased because they are more stable compounds. According to the sensory characterization, the candy presented a satisfactory acceptance; according to the RATA method, it was characterized mainly as purple and uniform in color, shiny and gelatinous in appearance. Finally, it is concluded that the application of juice, combined with the other ingredients of the formulation, resulted in a product pleasant and with the considerable concentration of anthocyanins and, with grape odor and flavor.

Describing the Sensory Complexity of Italian Wines: Application of the Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA) Method.

The aim of this study was to characterise a large and heterogeneous Italian wine sample applying the Rate-All-That-Apply method (RATA) with semi-trained judges. Twelve judges evaluated 46 samples including white, red, rosé and sparkling wines in two replicates. Judges were asked to select from a list of descriptors all the sensations that described the samples and to evaluate their intensity. Judges obtained high repeatability index scores. A good panel reliability was also highlighted in terms of the reproducibility of the whole sensory characterisation through a multi-factor analysis (MFA). MFA results also showed a good discriminatory ability of the panel with red wines described by bitterness, astringency, body, alcohol and specific olfactory stimuli such as red fruits, spicy and roasted, while white wines were salty, sour and characterised by citrus, tropical fruits and white flowers odours. The RATA method is a suitable and reliable methodology for the description of a wide variety of wine samples and a valuable alternative approach to conventional descriptive analysis to gather information about the sensory perception of a very complex product even when large panels of consumers are not available. Furthermore, the present results provide useful information for wine producers to characterise their products as well as for the optimisation of production disciplinaries, which currently are not exhaustive in the description and the discrimination among products.

Comparing a product-specific versus a general emoji list to measure consumers’ emotional associations with chocolate and predict food choice

Emoji have been proposed as a way to get additional insights in how consumers perceive food products. Recent works have indicated that emoji are able to provide distinctive emotional associations with food products, regardless of whether one is using the check-all-that-apply (CATA) or the rate-all-that-apply (RATA) scaling approach. Typically, in examining emotional associations one can work with either a general list which can be used with all food products or a product-specific emotion list. To date, a comparison between the performance of a general and product-specific emoji list with adults is lacking. Moreover, it is unclear to which extent emotional data of emoji help to better predict the actual food choice of adult consumers.Using five samples of chocolates, this study compared the use of a general list of 39 emoji with a product-specific list of 20 emoji (based upon input of 32 consumers). In total, 138 consumers assessed the samples using the general list while 136 consumers evaluated the samples with the product-specific emoji list. The RATA approach was used for the evaluation of the samples and the actual food choice was registered as participants received a snack portion of the chosen sample to take home.Results indicated that, considering the frequency of selection, 10 emoji discriminated between the samples for both the general and product-specific lists. Similar results were obtained when considering the rating intensities. Including emoji did not lead to a significant increase in the food choice prediction regardless the type of list used. However, emoji data obtained from the product-specific emoji list was able to predict the food choice as accurate as the liking data when using the RATA intensity scores.This study suggests that both general and product-specific emoji lists are able to generate distinguishing emotional profiles for chocolate samples. While further research is necessary with other food products and measurement methods (e.g. CATA), this study proposes that emoji measurements might be an alternative to liking data in order to be better understand of consumers’ food choice.

Genetic variations associated with the soapy flavor perception in Gorgonzola PDO cheese

Food preferences are influenced by several factors including individual differences in the physiological perception of the sensory properties and genetic factors. This study was aimed to investigate the genetic bases underlying the perception of the soapy flavor, a sensory attribute identified as a driver of disliking for blue-veined cheese. Responses on soapy flavor perception (SFP) in six Gorgonzola Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheese samples were collected from 219 genotyped Italians (age 18–77 y) applying a Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA) test combined with a liking test.Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) were performed on three phenotypic traits: the SFP in at least one cheese (SFP_1), the number of cheese samples in which each individual perceived the soapy flavor (SFP_N) and the SFP in the cheese in which the highest number of individuals perceived the soapy flavor (SFP_P95).Results showed that 144 individuals (65.8%) perceived the soapy flavor in at least one cheese. Our analysis allowed identifying four loci that resulted shared in all the three GWAS and have been confirmed by the SFP in at least other two Gorgonzola cheese samples. Particularly, we highlighted four genes (SYT9, PDE4B, AVL9 and HTR1B) that are involved in olfactory or taste processes, suggesting that they could play a relevant role in determining the individual differences in the SFP. In addition, a SNP near the HTR1B gene affected also the liking for Gorgonzola PDO cheese.Overall, our work suggests possible candidate genes associated with the perception of soapy flavor, providing a starting point to better understand the individual differences in blue-veined cheese perception and expanding the current scientific knowledge in the emerging research area linking genetic individual differences to food perception and preferences.

Development of a Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA) ballot for sensory profiling of sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) gonads

Paracentrotus lividus gonads are receiving increasing interest for their unique sensory attributes. However, the sensory profile of this highly demanded gourmet product has not yet been well described, and doing so may potentially benefit the gonads’ marketability and acceptability. The main goal of this study was to build a sensory profile of sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) gonads, to evaluate differences between sex and harvest location. Eighty untrained panellists (regular consumers of seafood) were asked to evaluate four samples of raw sea urchin gonads (inside a sea urchin test), divided by sex and harvest location. The panellists evaluated overall liking and acceptance (Food Action Scale), followed by a Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA) ballot with a list of 22 sensory attributes divided into four dimensions: appearance (6), odour (6), texture (4) and taste (6). No significant effects of sex and harvest location were identified for liking, but a significant effect of the sex for the Food Action Rating Scale (FACT) was identified. Sensory profiling clearly separated gonads according to sex, with females being more appealing than males. Females were strongly correlated with a pleasant and intense tropical taste, as well as an overall appealing and grainy appearance and a pleasant tropical odour, while males had a slimy appearance and a milky white exudate. When compared with the Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) approach used in our previous study, the use of the RATA approach allowed to discriminate female gonads according to their origin, with those from Praia Norte being firmer, more resilient and more appealing than the ones from Carreço. This study reinforced the fact that female sea urchins tend to present an intense and pleasant tropical taste and a pleasant tropical odour, thus being more appealing to the panellists, contributing valuable information for future nutritional aquaculture studies aiming to enhance sea urchin gonads’ attributes and, subsequently, their market valorisation.