Introduction

Abstract

In this chapter we carefully parse the definition for sensory evaluation, briefly discuss validity of the data collected before outlining the early history of the field. We then describe the three main methods used in sensory evaluation (discrimination tests, descriptive analysis, and hedonic testing) before discussing the differences between analytical and consumer testing.We then briefly discusswhy one maywant to collect sensory data. In the final sections we highlight the differences and similarities between sensory evaluation and marketing research and between sensory evaluation and commodity grading as used in, for example, the dairy industry.