Sensory evaluation
We all often say when tasting something we like,
‘that’s nice’ which is an indication that we like what
we have just eaten. However a more accurate way
is needed to record the detail of what we think of a food
product, its texture,
flavour, aroma and
appearance.
There are many methods to carry out food tasting, the
process is known as sensory
evaluation. The
sensory evaluation method called star profiling is
going to be used to test the fruit salad product. Let
look at it in further detail.
Step 1 - Linking your task to the evaluation of the product.
Your task was to:
design a healthy fruit dessert.
General
appearance
The dessert needed to be:
5
 ‘Healthy’ – low in sugar and fat.
 Contain a selection of fruits and help with the ’5 a day goal
3
Aroma
Texture
 Have interesting flavour combinations.
 Contain a range of textures and colours.
1
5
5
3
3
1
From the above specifications we can
find the evaluation points for the star
profile opposite.
1
1
3
5
5 a day goal
1
3
5
Flavour
combinations
Step 2 – selecting a scale and awarding points.
A of scales can be used for
AScale
number
this,
two example are given below.
1 - excellent
verynot
good
It 2does
matter which you select
3 – good you consistently use the
providing
4 – average
same
scale.
5 – poor
Scale A
Scale B
What does this tell5 -you
about the
excellent
1 - excellent
fruit2-salad?
4- very good
very good
3 – good
3 – good
average
4 – average
Analysis
- Looking 2at–the
star profile
1
–
poor
– poor
you5will
notice that one evaluation
Sensory analysis of fruit salad
General
appearance
5
3
Aroma
Texture
1
5
5
3
1
point – flavour was disappointing.
Using
Scale– A
– after with
completing
Conclusion
problem
flavour.a
sensory evaluation test on the fruit
salad, the awarded points can be
How
canon
thethe
flavour
be improved?
marked
star profile
and joined
up using a straight line.
1
1
3
5
• Using fruits with stronger flavours or
better combinations.
3
5 a day
goal
1
3
5
Flavour
Evaluation of fruit salad design.
Use the star profile to evaluate the fruit salad you have made.
Scale A
1 - excellent
2 - very good
3 - good
4 - average
5 - poor
General
appearance
5
3
Aroma
Texture
1
5
5
3
3
1
1
1
1
3
3
5
5
5 a day goal
Flavour
My sensory evaluation
A quick written analysis can be helpful or an alternative method.
The salad was colourful and the fruit cut into
bite sized pieces.
General appearance
Aroma
Texture
Flavour
5 a day goal
Analysis
The aroma was fruity especially the orange and bananas
The texture was varied , soft -banana and crunchy –
apples and grapes, interesting to eat.
The flavour was a little boring – especially the juice.
Yes – a bowl of at least three tablespoon will give one
portion out of five –a-day.
Too many fruit of a similar flavour - need to find
fruits with a better or stronger flavour.
Possible improvements
Add an orange or a tangerine – a juice with a stronger flavour.
Evaluation of fruit salad dish.
Written analysis and possible improvements
General appearance
Aroma
Texture
Flavour
5 a day goal
Analysis
Possible improvements
Evaluation of fruit salad dish.
Scale
1 - excellent
2- very good
3 – good
4 – average
5 – poor
Use the star profile to evaluate the fruit salad you have made.
General
appearance
General
appearance
5
5
3
3
Aroma
Texture
1
5
5
3
Aroma
3
1
5
3
1
1
Texture
1
5
3
1
1
1
1
3
1
3
3
3
5
5
5
5
5 a day
goal
Flavour
My sensory evaluation
5 a day
goal
A friend’s evaluation
of my fruit salad
Flavour
combination