Drake S L, Gerard P D, Drake M A
Department of Food Science, Southeast Dairy Food Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27694, USA.
J Food Sci. 2008 Nov;73(9):S449-55. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2008.00960.x.
Flavor is an important factor in consumer selection of cheeses. Mild Cheddar cheese is the classification used to describe Cheddar cheese that is not aged extensively and has a "mild" flavor. However, there is no legal definition or age limit for Cheddar cheese to be labeled mild, medium, or sharp, nor are the flavor profiles or flavor expectations of these cheeses specifically defined. The objectives of this study were to document the distinct flavor profiles among commercially labeled mild Cheddar cheeses, and to characterize if consumer preferences existed for specific mild Cheddar cheese flavors or flavor profiles. Flavor descriptive sensory profiles of a representative array of commercial Cheddar cheeses labeled as mild (n= 22) were determined using a trained sensory panel and an established cheese flavor sensory language. Nine representative Cheddar cheeses were selected for consumer testing. Consumers (n= 215) assessed the cheeses for overall liking and other consumer liking attributes. Internal preference mapping, cluster analysis, and discriminant analysis were conducted. Mild Cheddar cheeses were diverse in flavor with many displaying flavors typically associated with more age. Four distinct consumer clusters were identified. The key drivers of liking for mild Cheddar cheese were: color, cooked/milky, whey and brothy flavors, and sour taste. Consumers have distinct flavor and color preferences for mild Cheddar cheese. These results can help manufacturers understand consumer preferences for mild Cheddar cheese.
风味是消费者选择奶酪时的一个重要因素。轻度切达干酪是用于描述未经过长时间陈化且具有“温和”风味的切达干酪的分类。然而，对于切达干酪被标记为轻度、中度或浓郁，并没有法律定义或年龄限制，这些奶酪的风味特征或风味预期也没有具体界定。本研究的目的是记录商业标记的轻度切达干酪之间不同的风味特征，并确定消费者是否对特定的轻度切达干酪风味或风味特征存在偏好。使用经过培训的感官小组和既定的奶酪风味感官语言，确定了一系列标记为轻度的商业切达干酪（n = 22）的风味描述性感官特征。选择了九种代表性的切达干酪进行消费者测试。消费者（n = 215）对奶酪的整体喜好度和其他消费者喜好属性进行了评估。进行了内部偏好映射、聚类分析和判别分析。轻度切达干酪在风味上多种多样，许多都呈现出通常与更长陈化时间相关的风味。确定了四个不同的消费者群体。对轻度切达干酪喜好的关键驱动因素是：颜色、煮熟/乳香、乳清和肉汤风味以及酸味。消费者对轻度切达干酪有不同的风味和颜色偏好。这些结果可以帮助制造商了解消费者对轻度切达干酪的偏好。
