본 연구는 세이지의 다양한 생리적 기능성과 우리 전통된장을 접목하여 허브를 첨가한 된장을 개발하고자 된장의 염도와 세이지분말 첨가량을 달리한 후 반응표면분석법으로 최적조건을 얻고자 관능특성을 조사하였다. 그 결과, 색은 1.20~2.70, 냄새는 1.60~3.20, 맛은 1.40~3.50, 조직감은 1.60~3.50, 전반적인 기호도는 1.60~3.05의 값을 나타내어 실험구의 조건에 따라 차이를 보였다. 이차회귀식에 의하여 형성된 반응표면 분석 결과 색, 냄새, 맛, 조직감 및 전반적인 기호도의 $R^{2}$가 0.11~0.41로 낮은 편이었으며, 5% 이내에서 유의성이 인정되지 않았다. 관능검사에서 가장 높게 평가된 것은 색은 염도 21.50%, 세이지분말 첨가량 3.10%일 때 2.91, 냄새는 염도 22.52%, 세이지분말 첨가량 3.68%일 때 3.21로, 맛은 염도 8.62%, 세이지분말 첨가량 4.46%일 때 2.87으로, 조직감은 염도 8.00%, 세이지분말 첨가량 6.06%일 때 2.88로, 전반적인 선호도는 염도 20.40%, 세이지분말 첨가량 2.66%를 첨가하였을 때 2.74로 나타났다. 한국인에게 익숙하지 않은 허브이지만, 세이지를 첨가한 된장이 일반된장 보다는 높은 점수로 평가되어 기능성 된장으로의 가능성을 확인할 수 있었다.
We examined sensory characteristics to obtain the optimal conditions for doenjang preparation, using response surface methodology (RSM) to evaluate addition of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) powder to, and the salinity of, doenjang. We aimed to develop a new variety of doenjang linking traditional Korean doenjang preparation with the physiological functionalities of sage. Color values were 1.20-2.70, flavor values 1.60-3.20, taste values 1.40-3.50, texture scores 1.60-3.50, and overall preference values 1.60-3.05, with the differences depending on experimental variations in preparation. Analysis of a reaction surface formed by a quadratic regression equation found that the R-squared values for overall preference, texture, taste, flavor,and color were 0.11-0.41, thus relatively low and insignificant, being less than 5%. In sensory tests, the color value was 2.91 when the salinity was 21.50%, and sage powder was added to a concentration of 3.10% (all w/w). The flavor score was 3.21 when the salinity was 22.52% and sage powder concentration was 3.68%. The taste value was 2.87 when the salinity was 8.62% and sage powder concentration was 4.46%. The texture score was 2.88 when the salinity was 8.00% and sage powder concentration was 6.06%. The overall preference score was 2.74 when the salinity was 20.40% and sage powder concentration was 2.66%. Although this preparation method is new to Koreans, doenjang with added sage was associated with higher sensory scores than traditional doenjang, confirming the possibility of development of a novel functional doenjang.
