Discrimination and sensory characterization of Protected Designation of Origin Salers‐ and Cantal‐type cheeses: An approach using descriptive analysis and consumer insights by check‐all‐that‐apply questions

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Salers and Cantal are two French uncooked semi-hard cheeses. Despite a quite similar cheese-making process, both types cheeses exhibit specific sensory attributes. produced with either milk or from “other cow breeds.” The aim this study is to evaluate the properties in order differentiate cheese: versus combining consumer test (n = 152) using CATA method profile trained panel 9). Ten (Salers cheeses; n 6 4) were selected, after 12 months ripening storage same maturing cellar. A clear discrimination was achieved by terms. More precisely, characterized their texture, whereas differentiated aromatic appearance. offers good description (14 attributes out 16 discriminant) even if preference scores slightly close. Although allows more detailed product characterization than terms, methods provided information about characterization. Overall, these results suggest validity once again, show interest it for consumers applied on cheese samples subtle differences. Practical Applications findings useful artisanal producers as they make possible use approach categories different process. This distinction contributes improvement qualities PDO Hence, could be supply chain communicate better explain differences between categories, which sometimes poorly distinguished during purchase. In addition, agreement demonstrated similarities spite fact that liking very close cheeses, able distinguish method.