Introduction to Sensory Analysis

Overview

This course has been developed for candidates new to sensory analysis, however previous
participation in taste panels would be and advantage. Candidates will need to have strong leadership
skills to maintain and develop their own panel, the ability to cook and prepare uniform samples and be
able to interpret panellists comments, both written and verbal. The course is structured to incorporate a
combination of theory, group discussion and workshop exercises to reinforce the practical elements of
running a panel.

Course Summary

Introduction to Sensory Analysis

Introduction to the principles of sensory analysis

Control of sensory analysis and design of a fair test

Discussion of the applications of sensory analysis

The Senses

Sight. The structure and function of the eye. Colour blindness exercise. The application of
techniques to disguise appearance in the sensory laboratory.

Smell. The structure and function of the nasal passage, ortho-nasal and retro-nasal
routes. Aromatic compounds and the relative concentrations that are required for
detection.

Taste. The distribution of taste receptors on the tongue, mouth and throat.
Understanding taste recognition thresholds and the concentration of taste receptors in
'zones'.

Trigeminal senses.

Texture. From touch in the hands and mouth, the sound made when food is bitten and
chewed to the sensation after swallowing.

In addition to the individual senses, there is often interaction between senses that
builds the overall product perception.

Facility requirements

Sensory laboratory features and design, influences and considerations.

Food safety and record keeping

Preparation and serving equipment

Panellist selection

Choosing panellists and the avoidance of individuals with certain habits or medical
conditions.

Screening

Training techniques and levels of training applied to the various techniques of sensory
analysis.

Panellist numbers and skill level in relation to statistical significance

Panel management

Techniques and applications

Difference tests. Focus on the most common tests and practical experience of a triangle
test.

Benchmarking, acceptance and preference tests. Use of scales and ranking to degree of
liking or dislike.

Descriptive analysis, introduction to the techniques and practical experience.

Course duration: 2 days