Sensory and descriptor attributes of some walnut cultivars and types

Abstract

The study presents an extensive assessment of sensory and descriptor attributes of 27 walnut (Juglans Regia L.) cultivars and types. Descriptive analyses were used for a total of 15 cultivars and 12 types, harvested from a collection walnut orchard located in city of Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, by a panel of 14 consisting of horticultural students and staff. The assessment enclosed three main descriptors, and sensory attributes which were nut structure, kernel structure, and flavor and texture. The nut shape of the cultivars/types was mainly rated broad to ovate. ‘Sütyemez-2’ and ’77-H-1’ types were recorded to have the whitest shell color whereas ‘Chandler’ cultivar was recorded to have the whitest kernel color. Most of the cultivars/types had a moderate kernel fill and shriveling score. The highest score of aroma, flavor and sweetness intensity was noted in ‘Kaman-3’ while bitterness, puckeriness and sweetness assessments greatly changing among cultivars/types. Crispness rating of the cultivars/types was almost the same, with the exception ‘KSU-5’being crispier than others.