Fresno State Jordan Agricultural Research Center Sensory Lab: Instructional Video

Summary

The video offers a detailed overview of the sensory lab at the Jordan Agricultural Research Center. It outlines the key areas within the lab, including the waiting room, training room, sensory booths, and the preparation kitchen. The video emphasizes the need for proper separation between areas, good lighting, ventilation, and sound isolation during sensory tests. The evaluation booths are designed to be odor-free and distraction-free, with climate and lighting control. The preparation area includes specialized equipment for sample preparation and storage. The lab also uses specific software for sensory testing, highlighting its use of technology in the process.

Takeaways

• 🏢 The sensory lab at the Jordan Agricultural Research Center includes a waiting room, training room, booths, and a kitchen for preparation.
• 🪑 The waiting area serves as a flexible space for participants to wait or receive instructions and can also be used for training purposes.
• 🌬️ The training room should be large, well-ventilated, and well-lit to ensure adequate space between panelists during descriptive tests.
• 🔕 It is important to minimize extraneous noises during tests, especially if rooms are used simultaneously for discussion or debriefing.
• 🔬 The evaluation area consists of individual booths separated to avoid communication between participants, with easy access routes.
• 🚪 The booths must be isolated from external noises, have good ventilation, and avoid contact with the preparation area.
• 🎨 Booths should be neutral-colored, odor-free, and climate-controlled, with sizes ranging from 3 to 25 booths, each 3x3 feet in size.
• 📐 The booths should have desk heights of 30-36 inches, with serving hatches that are large enough for trays but small enough to block views of the preparation area.
• 🔌 Booths should have electrical outlets, but individual sinks are discouraged. Communication with sample servers is crucial.
• 🍷 The preparation area should be spacious, with ample storage, counter space, a dishwasher, sinks, and facilities for testing, including wine coolers and glass storage.

Q & A

What are the primary rooms mentioned in the sensory lab?

The sensory lab includes a waiting room, training room, evaluation booths, and a preparation area (kitchen).

Is the waiting room mandatory in the sensory lab setup?

No, the waiting room is not mandatory, but it is desirable as it serves as a space for participants to wait or receive instructions.

What is the purpose of the training room in the sensory lab?

The training room is used for descriptive tests, providing space for panelists with good ventilation and lighting. It can also serve as a waiting area or for instructing participants and signing consent forms.

What are the requirements for the evaluation booths in the sensory lab?

The booths must be isolated to avoid communication between participants, equipped with controlled lighting and climate, odor-free, and furnished with neutral, non-distracting colors.

Why is it important to separate the evaluation booths from the preparation area?

To avoid any contact between panelists and the preparation area, and to minimize extraneous noises and smells that could interfere with the sensory tests.

What software is used in the Jordan Agricultural Research Center's sensory tests?

The software used is called Compusense, and each booth has access to an iPad with the software installed for conducting the sensory tests.

What are the dimensions and requirements for individual booths?

Each booth should be approximately 3 by 3 feet (1 by 1 meter), with a desk height of 30 to 36 inches (76 to 92 centimeters) and equipped with electrical outlets. Individual sinks are discouraged.

What are the key considerations for minimizing distractions in the booths?

Booths should be climate-controlled, odor-free, and furnished with neutral colors to minimize distractions for participants during the sensory tests.

What facilities are present in the preparation area of the sensory lab?

The preparation area includes storage cabinets, large countertop space, a dishwasher, sinks with garbage disposal, trash cans, and, in some cases, wine coolers and wine glass storage for specific tastings.

Why is negative pressure or extractor systems important in the sensory lab?

Negative pressure or extractor systems help prevent the accumulation of smells in the evaluation area, ensuring that participants are not distracted by extraneous odors.