Thursday, July 13, 2006
Chicken breast, anyone?
Nyuk nyuk nyuk.I participated in a research project yesterday. Actually, we were on our way to lunch. I did not realize that they were giving out $2 Tim Horton's coupon for this research project. My friend was like, "Hey Esther! Look! $2 coupon for free eh!"
Of course, we had to participate in the research project before getting that free coupon. It was quite interesting. We filled out a short questionnaire and was led into a room with separate cubicles, each having a desk and a chair. We were told to wait patiently as our food was being warmed up. By the way, the purpose of the project was to evalute consumer liking of chicken breast and thigh patties from chickens that have been fed different levels of flaxseed. It was said that feeding flaxseed increases the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the poultry meat to provide health benefits to consumers. I remember I was asked whether I like to eat chicken breast or thigh patties. I circled thigh patties. However, they were doing the sensory evalution on chicken breast meat yesterday. The lady told us to come back the next day for the thigh patties. Haha.
Anyway, I thought this whole setting of the project was pretty cool. A minute later, we were served four containers, a glass of water, and two pieces of crackers. Each container was labelled with a sample number. Also, we were given another questionnaire form to fill out while tasting each sample. At first sight of the small piece of chicken meat, I thought, "Errr is this safe? It looks so brownish." Then again, I reassured myself that it should be safe since it is a university funded project. Any research project has to receive permission and grant from the department/university. And so, I took a bite. I decided not to eat the whole thing lest the chances of food poisioning (I have to admit I was still wary of the chicken meat). It was fun answering the questions and all. I finished tasting four samples and answered the questionnaire faster than my peers. HAHA. I wondered why my friend took so long. I thought she ate everything, hehehe.
Well, I did request to be informed of the results. So, I'll wait and see how it will be.
