Mozzarella cheese from buffalo milk elaborated by the traditional and direct acidification methods were evaluated using the Free Profile Descriptive test by 10 pre-selected panelists in a triangular test. Initially, the panelists accomplished the rising of attributes through the Kelly's Repertory Grid Method. The lists of attributes definitions associated to a non-structured scales of 9 points were elaborated for each panelist. The samples of both processing methods were appraised with 3 repetitions. Fourteen sessions were accomplished: 3 for the panelists selection, 2 for rising of attributes, 1 to check the records and 9 for samples evaluation. Data were analyzed using the Generalized Procrustes Analysis. Results showed a high repeatability of the panelists, as well as between the processing methods. The samples were differentiated mainly by the appearance and texture attributes. The Mozzarella cheese elaborated by direct acidification was softer, with higher humidity and presented a greenish color. The Mozzarella cheese elaborated by traditional method has higher firmness and elasticity. The Free Choice Profile method was efficient in this study with 2 samples.
Free Choice Profile; cheese Mozzarella; sensorial analyses
