What is an 'odor threshold' in sensory evaluation?

The term 'odor threshold' refers specifically to the lowest concentration of a substance that can be detected by the olfactory system, meaning it is the point at which an odor becomes perceivable to the average human nose. This threshold is crucial in sensory evaluation because it helps define how sensitive individuals are to different odors and can significantly influence product formulation and consumer acceptance.

Options describing maximum scent concentration or preferred scent concentration do not accurately capture the concept of a threshold, as they pertain to different aspects of scent perception. Additionally, the overall scent profile relates to the combined characteristics of a product's odor rather than focusing on the minimum concentration detectable. Therefore, identifying the odor threshold is essential for understanding how substances are perceived at low concentrations, which is fundamental in sensory analysis.