The Panel Test is the analysis of the sensory characteristics of an oil, carried out by a Panel, i.e. a group of trained tasters.
The purpose of the analysis is to [b]classify virgin olive oils[/b] – i.e. oils obtained from olives solely by mechanical and physical processes – into one of the following three categories: extra virgin, virgin, lampante ([url=http://www.oplatium.it/articoli/caratteristiche-e-consumo/la-classificazione-degli-oli-di-oliva-vergini/150/]classification of virgin olive oils[/url]).
Only an oil completely [b]free of[/b] organoleptic [b]defects[/b] can be classified as [b]extra virgin[/b]. The presence of defects, on the other hand, determines the classification of the oil as [b]virgin[/b] or [b]lampante[/b], depending on the intensity of the defects themselves.
This is an [b]internationally[/b] recognised classification and analysis [b]method[/b], developed by the IOC – International Olive Council and adopted by the European Union (Annex XII of EC Regulation 2568/91).
The Panel Test is carried out in such a way that tasters express their [b]judgement[/b] on the sensory characteristics of the oil in an [b]objective[/b] way and independently of one another.
To this end, each taster smells and tastes the oil samples inside a dedicated booth and fills in an [b]evaluation form[/b] designed to record a judgement on the presence and intensity of positive attributes (fruity, bitter, pungent) and any
defects (rancid, mouldy, heated, winey, etc.).
Since the response to a given sensory stimulus depends not only on the stimulus itself but also on numerous psychological and environmental factors relating to the individual, the method prescribes a series of rules to [b]minimise the effect of these variables[/b].
Essential conditions for the repeatability of results, regardless of where the test is carried out, are in fact the standardisation of tasting conditions, which must be the same for all tasting panels, and the training of the tasters.
For this reason the test is carried out in dedicated booths, using suitable equipment and following precise behavioural rules; the results are also [b]statistically validated[/b] by a Panel Leader.
