2.6. Sensory analyses
Ten tomatoes from each treatment were washed, dried and
placed on white trays labeled with three-digit numbers. The same
ten tomatoes were evaluated by all panelists for skin color and
appearance. Another ten tomatoes from each treatment were
washed with tap water, dried and cut in half in order to evaluate
odor and sweetness, acidity and juiciness-by-mouth. Two tomatoes
were evaluated by each panelist. Ten panelists (5 men, 5 women)
who responded affirmatively to liking and frequently consuming
tomatoes were recruited from students or staff at IBR. Sensory
attributes and their definitions were discussed. All panelists were
given the opportunity to practice the procedure in advance. Panelists
evaluated the attributes of tomato samples on four-point
scales.