Rocket salad (Diplotaxis and Eruca spp.) sensory analysis and relation with glucosinolate and phenolic content

Abstract

Aroma intensity, pungency, crunchiness and juiciness were strong determinants of overall rocket salad flavour perception. Visual traits also characterised sensory components. Bitterness, usually considered a negative flavour trait, was moderately perceived in the examined material, without negatively affecting typical flavour perception. In the range of the examined material, glucosinolate content did not contrast with typical flavour, demonstrating that good taste and putative health-promoting properties may coexist.

The influence of phytochemical composition and resulting sensory attributes on preference for salad rocket (Eruca sativa) accessions by consumers of varying TAS2R38 diplotype

“…Previous research has largely focused on the diversity of phytochemical content and post-harvest quality. Studies have investigated the impacts of modified atmosphere and general sensory trends in rocket (Amodio et al, 2015, D’Antuono et al, 2009, Lokke et al, 2012, Martinez-Sanchez et al, 2006, Pasini et al, 2011), however these made certain assumptions regarding what is the ‘ideal’ or ‘preferred’ rocket sensory profile of consumers. Few have taken into account the genetic and phytochemical variability of rocket varieties, and none have accounted for the genetic variability of consumers.…”

“…Studies by D’Antuono et al (2009) and Pasini et al (2011) have combined aspects from both sensory and consumer studies on Eruca sativa and Diplotaxis tenuifolia . While no scores for liking of traits were given, some subjective descriptive terms were used, such as “typical rocket salad flavour”.…”

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of solvent extract obtained from rocket (Eruca sativa L.) flowers

“…10,11 Furthermore, numerous studies have been carried out on rocket salad demonstrating thus its health related properties on human being. [12][13][14] The interaction of microorganisms with rocket leaves has been widely studied. [15][16][17][18][19] In addition, rocket seeds possess a significant free radical scavenging capacity and exert a protective effect against HgCl 2 mediated renal toxicity.…”

Chemical constituents of Eruca sativa and treatment activity against paracetamol inducing hepatic injury in experimental rats

“…Among such compounds, glucosinolates and phenolics are well-known phytochemicals with an important role in determining the characteristic flavour of these species (Lazzeri et al, 2004 andPasini et al, 2011).…”