Enhancement of Olfactory Perception by Visual Cues: Implications for Integrated Sensory Evaluation of Cut Flowers

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Abstract
Sensory attributes such as visual appearance and floral scent are key drivers in the floriculture market. This study investigated cross‐modal correspondence between vision and olfaction, focusing on how visual cues influence perceived scent intensity and consumer liking. Four species were evaluated by an untrained panel under blindfolded and non‐blindfolded conditions, complemented by a Check‐All‐That‐Apply (CATA) analysis. Oriental lily achieved the highest visual liking score (8.3), while freesia showed the highest scent liking under both blindfolded (7.2) and non‐blindfolded (7.8) conditions. Oriental lily also recorded the highest scent intensity in both blindfolded (7.5) and non‐blindfolded (8.5) evaluations. Peony, freesia, and oriental lily received higher ratings when visual cues were present, suggesting that vision enhances olfactory perception. CATA results associated oriental lily with “perfume” and “soap”, stock with “clove”, peony with “rue” and “green”, and freesia with “sweet”, “fresh” and “harmonious”. These findings highlight the importance of multisensory integration in flower perception.

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