ADV.02 Understanding the Organoleptic Experience

OVERVIEW

This class is an in-depth exploration of both how we experience tea and what we experience. The ‘how’ begins with the anatomy of our organoleptic system, the tools we use to perceive tea on every level. Then we look at how the chemistry of tea ‘colors’ our experience, as well as examining some general principles concerning flavor. Next, there is an explanation of how we sense bitterness, astringency and sweetness in tea, and how they are (surprisingly) related. The last week of class identifies the compounds in tea and the roles they play in creating the flavor of tea.

By the end of this class you will be able to:

1. Describe the anatomy and function of the human organoleptic system.
2. Understand the relationship between tea’s chemical make-up and our experience of tea.
3. Know how and why we can modulate a tea’s flavor, enhancing certain flavors and diminishing others.
4. Know why people tasting the same tea can have very different experiences.
5. Identify various compounds that are the flavors, mouthfeel and colors of tea.

YOU WILL RECEIVE: 5 Teas and 1 infuser screen.

COURSE LENGTH:

3 weeks (plus one week grace period to submit assignments and complete any tests.)

Course Features

Lectures 4
Questions 10
Duration 0.5 h (approx)

COURSE OUTLINE
- Introduction
  - Understanding the Organoleptic Experience
  - Your Instructor
- Week 1
  - Overview
  - Defining Organoleptic Experience
  - Anatomy of the Organoleptic System
  - How Smell, Taste, & Flavor Work
  - ADV.02 Assignment 1.1
  - Week 1 Classroom Assignment
  - End of Week 1 Quiz
- Week 2
  - Overview
  - Section One: Color
  - Section Two: General Principles Concerning How We Perceive Flavor
  - Section Three: Bitterness, Astringency, and Sweetness
  - Mouthfeel
  - ADV.02 Assignment 2.1
  - ADV.02 Assignment 2.2
  - Week 2 Classroom Assignment
  - End of Week 2 Quiz
- Week 3
  - Overview
  - Section One: Introduction
  - Section Two: Green Flavors and Green Teas
  - Section Three: Brown Flavors and Black Teas
  - Section Four: Predominant Flavor Families
  - ADV.02 Assignment 3.1
  - ADV.02 Assignment 3.2
  - Week 3 Classroom Assignment
  - Final Exam