The results of a blind taste test between cultured and wild groups of fish showed that 48.6 per cent of all judging panels preferred the cultured one more tasty while only 8.6 per cent of them decided the wild fish tasted better. A total of 42.8 per cent could not recognise any difference between cultured and wild group tastes.
According to test participants, the main reason for their choice of the cultured group was the distinctive softness of flesh flavour, reports TimesofOman.
The leader of the student group, which conducted this investigation Haitham Al Gheilani, said: "I was surprised when we analysed the results because we expected Omani people to prefer the wild group more tasty rather than the cultured one."
The supervisor of this project, Dr Gilha Yoon, said that if this test had not been a blind one, it is certain the results would have been different. The preconceived judgement disturbs our real taste.
"The results are very pronounced and key to promote the aquaculture industry in Oman because if consumers prefer aquaculture products, then the industry is sure to be a success," he added.
