A

Chocolate field glossary

Astringency

A drying, puckering tactile sensation caused largely by polyphenol interactions with saliva.

Sensory · working definition

Use the word
with precision.

Why it matters
Naming the drying tactile sensation separately prevents it from being confused with bitterness or acidity.
Common confusion
Astringency is a mouthfeel response involving saliva, not one of the basic tastes.
Practical example
After swallowing, notice puckering around the gums and inner cheeks rather than looking only for a tongue taste.
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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