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Comparison between orthonasal and retronasal flavour perception at different concentrations

2004; Wiley; Volume: 19; Issue: 6 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1002/ffj.1475

1099-1026

Marian Espinosa Diaz,

Advanced Chemical Sensor Technologies

Abstract To be perceived, flavour molecules need to reach the olfactory epithelium, located in the nasal cavity. This can be achieved through orthonasal (sniff) or retronasal (mouth) airways. The intensity perceived will depend on the number of molecules that reach the receptor cells. The aim of this study is to compare the dose–response behaviour of flavour molecules, depending on whether the flavours were sniffed or tasted. Six flavour compounds were studied, including a homologous series of esters, and the differences on dose–response curves (intensity vs. concentration) correlated to the physicochemical characteristics of the flavour molecules. In addition, the matching concentration in water to get the same intensity by sniff as a reference tasted by mouth for some flavour compounds was determined. It was shown that the differences in orthonasal and retronasal perception depend strongly on the physical characteristics of the aroma chemicals. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.