Rheological properties, ginsenosides contents, sensory evaluations of Korean red ginseng extracts

Abstract

Red ginseng extracts have gained popularity due to their positive impact on health. The objective of this study was to identify the rheological properties, ginsenosides contents and sensory characteristics of six different commercial red ginseng extracts in Korea. Ginseng extracts demonstrated different shear-thinning flow behaviour (n = 0.59-0.78) with a consistency index (K = 46.77-105.78 Pa s(n)), which meant they had different viscosity. The amount of ginsenosides and total solid contents were highly correlated (r = 0.954). Six significant attributes (ginseng, angelica, bitterness, ginger flavour and astringency) were identified and can be used as sensory parameters for the determination of the product quality. Hedonic levels of the product were assessed by a group of ninety-five consumers in their 20 s (n = 32) and over 30 (n = 63). Cluster analysis revealed that consumer acceptance was divided into two major clusters for those that preferred strong (n = 43) and weak (n = 42) ginseng characteristics in the extract.