S

Chocolate field glossary

Sensory fatigue

Reduced discrimination or sensitivity after repeated tasting, especially with intense or numerous samples.

Sensory · working definition

Use the word
with precision.

Why it matters
Adaptation reduces discrimination, so smaller flights and recorded order produce more credible comparisons.
Common confusion
Difficulty naming a tenth sample is not evidence of an untrained palate; the tasting design may be the problem.
Practical example
Limit an introductory flight to three or four bars, use water and retaste another day.
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
Search all 86 terms ↗Start the 20-minute primer →