The challenge was then to design the appropriate process for
obtaining a crunchy texture with a balanced flavor while
avoiding browning. A range of temperature–time combinations
between 80 to 90 1C and 4 to 15 min were tested. Based on
sensory analysis results the desired texture and flavor were
obtained when pears where cooked at 83 1C for 15 min.
Furthermore, the achieved texture allowed quick reheating
(Convoterm oven, Eglfing, Germany) without softening the
tissue due to excessive high temperature.
Once the pear concept was designed, the second step was to
link cheese notes to the fruit as a way of adding value to the cheese aromas and not to the cheese itself. For this purpose
soft cheeses were preferred as they do not have a maturation
step and the water content is higher than hard cheeses;
consequently, the extraction of water soluble aromas would
be easier.