Once fermentation ended (day 90) the fermentation jars were
retained at 4 °C and two months later a sensory test was performed.
As the olives were fermented under reduced salt conditions refrigeration
storage is of importance to simulate the shelf life. Industrial processed
table olives and olives fermented with the addition of OSC were
evaluated by a nine-member sensory panel with previous experience
in judging table olives. Two training sessions (about 30min per session)
were held, in which commercial table olives were used. Furthermore, a
preparatory sessionwas heldwith each panel to thoroughly discuss and
clarify each attribute to be evaluated. Testingwas initiated after the panelists
agreed on the specifications. The evaluations were performed in
individual booths under white fluorescent lights, with the temperature
of the product approximately ambient. Attribute intensities were rated
on a 9-unit graphical intensity scales (non-numbered to avoid biased
assessment) running from 1 (totally unpleasant) to 9 (intensive pleasant).
Olive samples (three pieces of olives and brine) were presented
to the assessors in duplicate in transparent plastic cups, each coded in
random with three digit numbers. The attributes assessed were color,
odor, flavor (acid, bitter, salty) and two texture descriptors (firmness
and crispness). The panelists had also to indicate their global assessment.
The panelists usedwater to clean the palate between samples. Results
were averaged prior to data analysis.