Descriptive sensory analysis and acceptance of leaves of smooth and curly kale

ABSTRACT Curly and smooth kale hybrids grown in both field (conventional) and hydroponic systems were sensory-analyzed using the descriptive and affective sensory technique. The treatments comprised hydroponic-cultivated Darkibor (A), Darkibor cultivated in field (B), HS2O (C), Arielli (D) and Kobe (E), these last three cultivated under conventional system (field-cultivated). The panelists indicated the significant attributes that described the differences in kale sensory profiles. Darkibor (A) and Arielli (D) kale leaves had the lightest green color. Regarding their format, the kales were classified into smooth and curly. Both the Darkibor grown in field (B) and Arielli (D) had the most intense bitter taste. Darkibor (A) showed the highest intensity for sweet taste, followed by Arielli (D). The field-cultivated Darkibor (B) ranked the highest crispness and mouthfeel (sensation produced by a particular food in the mouth). The color and texture of the kale leaves affected purchase intention by the consumer, and the color showed a difference among the kales, with Darkibor kale (A) receiving the lowest score. Darkibor (A) obtained lower buying-likelihood scores, reinforcing that color affects consumers’ purchase intention.