2.6. Sensory analysis
The samples were tested at room temperature (22 2 C), in a
uniformly illuminated room, by a 45-member panel selected from a
pool of students and staff members of our Department. One hour
prior to the evaluations, top slice samples from randomly chosen
packages were transferred to closed plastic beakers. The samples
were presented in a randomized order in plastic containers. The
aim was to compare the choice between more than two samples
therefore the method of ordering by preference was applied. The
samples were coded with three-digit random numbers. Cookies
were provided for rinsing between samples, to cleanse the palate.
The sensory attributes evaluated were color, flavor and spreadability.
Then statistical analysis was performed using the Friedman
test, which determines whether the sums of the total orders for each sample differ significantly (Meilgaard, Arbor, Carr, & Civille,
2006).
For the shelf-life studies, the sensory attributes evaluated were
odor, color and flavor, using a five-point hedonic scale (from 1 ¼ I
disliked very much to 5 ¼ I liked very much), following the same
proceeding described below.
spread ability