Taste and aroma are organoleptic indicators that, combined with texture, form the overall consumer value of a variety. Taste is composed of a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter notes, while aroma is determined by a set of specific volatile compounds characteristic of a particular crop.
Evaluation of these characteristics during variety testing is carried out by the method of expert tasting using a five-point scale, where 5 points correspond to excellent taste and pronounced aroma, and 1–2 points to low indicators. The procedure is supplemented by laboratory biochemical analysis of the content of sugars, organic acids, dry matter, and anthocyanins, which constitute the chemical basis of taste.
Final indicators depend on the interaction of genotype and environmental conditions, including climate, growing degree days, and the level of mineral nutrition, where, for example, excess nitrogen can negatively affect quality. Agricultural practices, transport conditions, and subsequent post-harvest ripening of the produce also have a significant impact on the final result.