Calorie Learning: Procedure
In the first experiment, I created a butter mixture with a random flavor and spread it on two pieces of bread, which I ate and rated.
To create the butter mixture with a random flavor, I took 1/2 stick of butter and heated it in a microwave until it was soft. Then I randomly selected four of the 11 Penzeys spice blends and mixed 1/2 tsp of each into the butter.
For each trial, I spread a thin layer of the butter on two pieces of the bread, which was at room temperature. I ate them in a minute or so. I rated how good they tasted on a scale where
90 = very good
80 = quite good
75 = good
70 = somewhat good
60 = slightly good
50 = neutral
40 = slightly bad
I’ve used this scale to rate food dozens of times. Sometimes the rating changes with successive tastes; if so, the assigned rating is the maximum.
After eating the bread I waited at least an hour before eating anything else or brushing my teeth in order to to eliminate interference from other smells.
I did no more than one trial per day. On most days I did a trial.
To find other posts in this series, use the Calorie Learning category.
February 27th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Have you considered extracts for another set of flavors? You would be amazed at the number of different extract flavors they sell at cake-decorating stores.
February 27th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
I do have about 20 flavor extracts. Good point, maybe I should consider using them in some experiments like this.