Panel and Panelist Performance in the Sensory Evaluation of Black Ripe Olives from Spanish Manzanilla and Hojiblanca Cultivars

Natural-based edible nanocomposite coating for beef meat packaging

Researchers have made significant discoveries in addressing the limitations of essential oils (EOs) in food packaging using encapsulation systems combined with nanoparticles (NPs). This study aimed to develop a unique coating for beef preservation using nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). The optimal formulation of NLCs was determined based on size, zeta potential, and loading rate, achieving a content of 71.4% savory EO. A composite coating containing NPs was then created using different concentrations of NLCs (0, 0.85%, 1.7%, 2.55%, and 3.4%). The antimicrobial effectiveness of the coatings was assessed using well-diffusion assays to identify the best coating (17 mm). This optimized coating was applied to beef samples for 12 days, and extensive evaluation was conducted over time. The results demonstrated that the encapsulation percentage was higher than 98.7%. The optimal coating (CMC-OM-ZnO NPs-NLCs 3.4%) significantly reduced microbial growth (total count: over 1.6 log CFU/g), pH, thiobarbituric acid value (TBA), and total volatile nitrogen (TVN) compared with the control samples (P < 0.05). Overall, this novel bioactive packaging enriched with lipidic and inorganic nanomaterials represents an innovative way to improve meat products' oxidative and microbial stability.

An Overview of Sensory Characterization Techniques: From Classical Descriptive Analysis to the Emergence of Novel Profiling Methods

Sensory science provides objective information about the consumer understanding of a product, the acceptance or rejection of stimuli, and the description of the emotions evoked. It is possible to answer how consumers perceive a product through discriminative and descriptive techniques. However, perception can change over time, and these fluctuations can be measured with time-intensity methods. Instrumental sensory devices and immersive techniques are gaining headway as sensory profiling techniques. The authors of this paper critically review sensory techniques from classical descriptive analysis to the emergence of novel profiling methods. Though research has been done in the creation of new sensory methods and comparison of those methods, little attention has been given to the timeline approach and its advantages and challenges. This study aimed to gather, explain, simplify, and discuss the evolution of sensory techniques.

Sensory Panel Performance Evaluation—Comprehensive Review of Practical Approaches

Sensory assessors determine the result of sensory analysis; therefore, investigation of panel performance is inevitable to obtain well-established results. In the last few decades, numerous publications examine the performance of both panelists and panels. The initial point of any panelist measures are the applied selection methods, which are chosen according to the purpose (general suitability or product-specific skills). A practical overview is given on the available solutions, methods, protocols and software relating to all major panelist and panel measure indices (agreement, discrimination, repeatability, reproducibility and scale usage), with special focus on the utilized statistical methods. The novel approach of the presented methods is multi-faceted, concerning time factor (measuring performance at a given moment or over a period), the level of integration in the sensory testing procedure and the target of the measurements (panelist versus panel). The present paper supports the choice of the performance parameter and its related statistical procedure. Available software platforms, their accessibility (open-source status) and their functions are thoroughly analyzed concerning panelist or whole panel evaluation. The applied sensory test method strongly defines the applicable performance evaluation tools; therefore, these aspects are also discussed. A special field is related to proficiency testing. With the focus on special activities (product competitions, expert panels, food and horticultural goods), practical examples are given. In our research, special attention was given to sensory activity in companies and product experts or product-specific panels. Emerging future trends in this field will involve meta-analyses, application of AI and integration of psychophysics.

Comparison of methodological proposal in sensory evaluation for Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) by data mining and sensory panel

Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) needs sensory evaluation for grading. This study compared data mining (DM) and sensory panel evaluation (SPE), using data visualization (DV) and quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA), respectively. Results showed that Yangcheng Lake Crab (YLC) was the most welcomed for "umami" and "sweet" according to DV; and QDA (7-scale) showed similar results of the highest "aroma-sweet" (Average Score 4.5) and "taste-umami" (Average Score 4.6) in YLC. The difference was that, DV was fast based on big data (1.4 million words); while QDA quantified detailed attributes (principle components > 85.3% averagely) based on highly-trained sensory panel of good distinguishing- and repeating- ability that F value showed 76.4% of all attributes > 5% for panelist averagely, and mean square error < 0.500 except one panelist. In conclusion, DM was quick but qualitative; while SPE was laborious but informative.

Characterization and Processing of Table Olives: A Special Issue

Table olives are recognized as an essential component of the Mediterranean diet, having been explicitly included in the second level of its nutritional pyramid as an aperitif or culinary ingredient, with a recommended daily consumption of one to two portions (15–30 g). Producers demand innovative techniques improving the performance and industrial sustainability, as well as the development of new products that respond efficiently to increasingly demanding consumers. The purpose of this special issue was to publish high-quality papers with the aim to cover the state-of-the-art, recent progress and perspectives related to characterization and processing of table olives. Two reviews offer an overview about the processing and storage effects on the nutritional and sensory properties of table olives, as well as the main technologies used for olive fermentation, and the role of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts characterizing this niche during the fermentation. A total of 10 research papers cover a broad range of aspects such as characterization of their chemical composition, bioavailability, advances in the processing technology, chemical and microbiological changes, optimized use of starter cultures for the improvement of the different fermentative processes, and new strategies to reduce sodium and additives to stabilize the organoleptic properties and avoid defects.

Development of a Model System for Tasting Grain Varieties

This study investigated suitable approaches and effective applications for the evaluation of grain flavor differences among cultivars. A model system that helps to facilitate the characterization of flavors in grain varieties was developed using sorghum grain as a tool. Five different applications were initially used, including cooked grain, porridge, cookies, muffins, and extruded puffed snacks. Six highly trained sensory panelists participated in the project. The effectiveness of each application was determined based on the results of the attribute generation process and from panelist feedback. The results indicate that the combination of a cooked whole grain procedure and the use of flour made into cookies provides an effective and potent model for flavor characterization in both their grain form and as finished products. Both the recipes for the cooked grain and cookie applications effectively brought out the flavor characteristics of the grains as well as differentiated the flavor differences between grain cultivars. The developed model can be applied for the flavor evaluation of multiple grain types and can help researchers understand the flavor differences among grain cultivars. As a result, such knowledge will help to facilitate the selection of suitable products with favorable characteristics for specific applications as well as for selective breeding purposes.