The contestants take a taste test and are given an ice-cream masterclass.

In episode eight, the seven remaining MasterChef contestants have their palates tested in the ultimate taste test using molecular gastronomy - the science behind the art of cooking, from Juan Valverde, scientist and molecular gastronomist and top Dublin chef Karl Whelan, who has cooked in some of the best 2 and 3* Michelin restaurants in the world.

They will have only their tastebuds to rely on, as the flavours that they have to identify will be disguised in another form. With each contestant tested individually, whose senses will stand out, and who will be left with a bitter taste in their mouth as they struggle to identify everyday flavours?

After getting the hardest tasting class of their lives, the contestants are back in the MasterChef Kitchen the following day for a Masterclass in ice-cream and sorbet making from one of the country’s best ice-cream experts, Kieran Murphy of Murphy’s Ice-cream in Dingle, who teaches them about the importance of marrying flavours and how using really high-quality ingredients can make the difference to flavour.

They will then have to re-enter the MasterChef kitchen and show off their finely-honed palates with the ultimate dessert task – creating a sweet treat for the Judges of their choice, which must be accompanied by their own ice-cream or sorbet.

For our 7 MasterChef contestants, the pressure is on to show that their palates and their cooking have the finesse to take them through to the next challenge.