Final answer:
The off-flavor that smells and tastes papery is known as cardboard flavor. It can be caused by chemical compounds or microbial contaminants and is commonly found in food and beverages. To avoid this off-flavor, proper storage conditions and hygiene practices should be maintained.
Step-by-step explanation:
The off-flavor that smells and tastes papery is known as cardboard flavor. It is a common off-flavor in food and beverages, and it is caused by the presence of chemical compounds such as 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) or other microbial contaminants. These compounds can be formed during the manufacturing process or as a result of bacterial or fungal contamination.
For example, if cardboard flavor is present in wine, it is usually attributed to TCA, which can contaminate the cork or the wooden barrels during storage. In food products, cardboard flavor can be caused by the breakdown of lipids in the presence of oxygen, resulting in the formation of volatile compounds with a papery smell and taste.
To avoid cardboard flavor, it is important to store food and beverages in appropriate conditions, reduce the exposure to oxygen, and maintain good hygiene practices to prevent microbial contamination.