Browsing by Author "Kytö, Elina"

Sensory quality of food affects its enjoyability and further, dietary behavior and satisfaction. The aim of this study was to determine the descriptive sensory attributes of selected school meals served in Helsinki schools, and which of these attributes have an effect on the acceptance of food. Sensory attributes of main courses were evaluated by descriptive sensory analysis, CATA (check-all-that-apply) -method. Sensory evaluation was carried out in two parts. In the first part, the attributes and terms used in the evaluation were generated by three focus groups (n = 3–6). In the second part, a separate semi-trained panel (n=17) evaluated 26 main courses (14 basic and 12 vegetarian) by CATA questionnaire. All assessors of sensory evaluation were students and staff at the University of Helsinki. CATA questionnaire consisted of a list of 126 terms, organized into six modalities: appearance, visual texture, odor, taste and flavor, texture (in mouth) and aftertaste. The main courses were described mainly as recognizable based on their texture, appearance, flavor and/or odor. In addition, many of the main courses had mild odor, flavor and/or aftertaste. The acceptance of school meals was determined by collecting hedonic ratings of main courses from the third, sixth and eighth graders (n = 45, 70 and 31, respectively; 76 girls and 70 boys) in two schools in Helsinki. The respondents liked soups the most and casseroles the least. In sensory evaluation the soups were described mostly by distinct parts and soft mouthfeel, and casseroles by cooked – and fatty visual texture. The most liked main courses shared the descriptors recognizable based on odor, flavor and texture, and the disliked main courses were described by cheesy flavor and - odor and also fatty mouthfeel and - aftertaste. The results of this study help to understand what kind of sensory attributes lead to liking or disliking of the main courses of school meals. The results support the development of school meals so more children would eat school meals appropriately: diversely and sufficiently.