A

Chocolate field glossary

Aroma

Volatile compounds perceived through the nose directly or while food is in the mouth.

Sensory · working definition

Use the word
with precision.

Why it matters
Direct and retronasal smell account for much of what people casually call flavor, making aroma vocabulary useful in comparison.
Common confusion
A fruit or floral aroma association does not prove that ingredient was added or authenticate an origin.
Practical example
Smell the bar first, then notice how aromas change as cocoa butter melts and volatiles reach the nose from the mouth.
Evidence trail

Read beyond
the definition.

Public institutionGuide for the assessment of cacao quality and flavour

Standardized protocols, glossary and sensory framework developed with experts from producing countries.

Cacao of Excellence / Alliance Bioversity International & CIAT
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