Consumer Attitudes and Preferences for Fresh Market Tomatoes

This study established attractive attributes and consumer desires for fresh tomatoes. Three focus groups (n = 28 participants) were conducted to explore how consumers perceived tomatoes, including how they purchased and consumed them. Subsequently, an Adaptive Choice Based Conjoint (ACBC) survey was conducted to understand consumer preferences toward traditional tomatoes. The ACBC survey with Kano questions (n = 1037 consumers in Raleigh, NC) explored the importance of color, firmness, size, skin, texture, interior, seed presence, flavor, and health benefits. The most important tomato attribute was color, then juice when sliced, followed by size, followed by seed presence, which was at parity with firmness. An attractive tomato was red, firm, medium/small sized, crisp, meaty, juicy, flavorful, and with few seeds. Deviations from these features resulted in a tomato that was rejected by consumers. Segmentations of consumers were determined by patterns in utility scores. External attributes were the main drivers of tomato liking, but different groups of tomato consumers exist with distinct preferences for juiciness, firmness, flavor, and health benefits.     

Preference Mapping of Soymilk with Different U.S. Consumers

This study determined and compared drivers of liking for unflavored soymilk with different U.S. consumer groups. A highly trained panel documented appearance, mouthfeel and flavor attributes of 26 commercial soymilks. Twelve representative soymilks were then selected for evaluation by consumers from 3 age/cultural categories (n = 75 each category; Caucasian/African American females aged 18 to 30 y; Asian females aged 18 to 30 y; Caucasian/African American females aged 40 to 64 y). Consumers evaluated overall liking and liking and intensity of specific attributes. Results were evaluated by analysis of variance, followed by internal and external preference mapping. Age had no effect on overall liking, while ethnicity did (Caucasian/African American compared with Asian; P < 0.05). Caucasians/African Americans differentiated soymilks more than Asians and assigned a wider range of liking scores than Asians (2.1 to 7.2 compared with 4.0 to 6.1). Three consumer clusters were identified. Sweet taste with vanilla/vanillin and sweet aromatic flavors and higher viscosity were preferred by most consumers and differences between consumer clusters were primarily in drivers of dislike. Drivers of dislike were not identified for Cluster 1 consumers while Clusters 2 and 3 consumers (n = 84, n = 80) disliked beany, green/grassy and meaty/brothy flavors and astringency. Cluster 3 (n = 80) consumers scored all soymilks higher in liking (P < 0.05) than Cluster 2 consumers, and were willing to overlook disliked attributes with the addition of sweet taste, whereas the Cluster 2 consumers were not. These findings can be utilized to produce soymilks with attributes that are well liked by target consumers and to tailor attributes for segments of the population that have not yet been accommodated.     

Consumer Sensory Analysis of High Flavonoid Transgenic Tomatoes

Tomatoes have ameliorative effects on cardiovascular disease and cancer. In this study, metabolic engineering of flavonoids was utilized to improve the nutritional value of tomatoes by increasing flavonol and anthocyanin content. Total flavonol content was significantly increased in both the peel and flesh using the onion chalcone isomerase (CHI) gene. The Delila (Del) and Rosea1 (Ros1) genes from the snapdragon Antirrhinum majus were concomitantly expressed to produce an anthocyanin‐rich tomato which was purple in color. Sensory evaluation by a panel of 81 untrained consumers revealed no significant difference in liking of color or texture between CHI, Del/Ros1, and wild‐type tomatoes. Consumers reported marginal but significantly higher preference for the flavor and overall liking of CHI tomatoes over Del/Ros1 and wild‐type tomatoes. This study is the first to report the results of sensory tests of transgenic tomatoes by a consumer panel representing the general consuming public.     

Cross‐Cultural Consumer Acceptability and Purchase Intent of Forage‐Finished Rib‐Eye Steaks

Rib‐eye steaks, from 3 forage‐finished systems (S1, S2, and S3) and 1 commercial steak (C), either cooked by 1‐sided‐grilling or 2‐sided‐grilling, were evaluated for sensory acceptability [overall appearance (ORA) and overall appearance of fat (OAF) for raw steaks; overall appearance (OCA), overall beef aroma (OBA), overall beef flavor (OBF), juiciness, tenderness and overall liking (OL) for cooked steaks] and purchase intent by Hispanic, Asian and U.S. consumers. They also indicated preferred degree of doneness and cooking methods. Cross‐cultural differences in preferences and consumer acceptability of rib‐eye steaks were observed. Grilling was the most preferred cooking method. Hispanics and Asians preferred medium and/or medium well, while U.S. consumers preferred medium and/or medium rare. For cooked steaks, the population effect was significant for all sensory attributes; Asians generally scored lower than did Hispanics and U.S. consumers. C and S3 generally had higher scores for all sensory attributes across 3 populations. Purchase intent for all forage‐finished steaks was higher for Hispanics and U.S. consumers compared to Asians (50.0% to 77.8% compared with 43.2% to 65.9%). Attributes influencing purchase intent of forage‐finished steaks differed among populations: tenderness (odds ratio = 1.4) for Hispanics, OCA (odds ratio = 1.5) for Asians, and OBF (odds ratio = 1.3) for U.S. consumers. Overall, this study demonstrated that the type of forage‐finished system and ethnic differences influenced sensory acceptability and purchase intent of forage‐finished rib‐eye steaks.     

Consumer sensory analysis of organically and conventionally grown vegetables

ABSTRACT:  Consumers of organically grown fruits and vegetables often believe that these products taste better than conventional produce. However, comparison of produce from supermarket shelves does not permit adequate assessment of this consumer perception, given potentially confounding cultivar and environmental effects. We used replicated side-by-side plots to produce organic and conventional vegetables for consumer sensory studies. In one test, red loose leaf lettuce, spinach, arugula, and mustard greens, grown organically and conventionally, were evaluated for overall liking as well as for intensity of flavor and bitterness. Another consumer test was conducted comparing organically and conventionally grown tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Overall, organically and conventionally grown vegetables did not show significant differences in consumer liking or consumer-perceived sensory quality. The only exception was in tomatoes where the conventionally produced tomato was rated as having significantly stronger flavor than the organically produced tomato. However, overall liking was the same for both organic and conventional samples. As conventional tomatoes also were scored marginally significantly higher in ripeness and a positive correlation was found between ratings of flavor intensity and ripeness, the flavor difference observed could not be simply ascribed to the contrasting growing conditions. Consumer panelists in both tests considered organic produce to be healthier (72%) and more environmentally friendly (51%) than conventional produce, while 28% considered organic produce to have better taste. Covariance analysis indicated that consumer demographics affected sensory comparisons of organic and conventional lettuce and cucumbers. Future study is needed to substantiate the influence of segmentation of consumers on their preference for organic food.     

Determining optimum ripening time of fruits by applying survival analysis statistics to consumer data

When a consumer chooses a fruit like a tomato he or she can find it under-ripe, ok or over-ripe; leading to two events of interest: the transition of under-ripe to ok, and the transition of ok to over-ripe. The objective of the present work was to develop a methodology using survival analysis statistics to allow prediction of the optimum ripeness time based on acceptance or rejection data obtained from consumers. Concepts and calculations were applied to a data set obtained from 60 consumers who were asked to assess the appearance and the flavor of tomatoes picked at eight different ripening stages and answer whether they found the samples under-ripe, ok or over-ripe. The tomato at a time = 0 was completely green except for signs of initial redness at the tomato base, the tomato at a time = 7 days was completely red and with wrinkles on the outer surface. From the censored data set parametric models were obtained which allowed optimum ripeness time estimations and segmentation of consumers in groups according to whether they preferred more under-ripe or more over-ripe tomatoes. The optimum ripening times were 3.4 ± 0.7 days for appearance and 3.3 ± 0.8 days for flavor. These times were similar, but as ripening progressed tomato appearance was more important than flavor in the rejection of the fruit.     

Consumer preferences for fresh tomato at the European scale: a common segmentation on taste and firmness

Although tomato flavor has not been a major goal for breeders, nowadays it becomes important as it is a subject of consumer complaint. A better knowledge of tomato consumer preferences, at the European level, should provide the basis for improvement of fruit quality and for market segmentation. In the framework of a large European project, 806 consumers from 3 countries, The Netherlands, France, and Italy, were presented with a set of 16 varieties representing the diversity of fresh tomato offer in order to evaluate their preferences. In parallel, sensory profiles were constructed by expert panels in each country. Preference maps were then constructed in each country revealing the structure of consumer preferences and allowing identification of the most important characteristics. Then a global analysis revealed that preferences were quite homogeneous across countries. This study identified the overall flavor and firmness as the most important traits for improving tomato fruit quality. It showed that consumer preferences from different European countries, with different cultures and food practices, are segmented following similar patterns when projected onto a common referential plan. Moreover, the results clearly showed that diversification of taste and texture is required to satisfy all consumers' expectations as some consumers preferred firm tomatoes, while others preferred melting ones and were more or less demanding in terms of sweetness and flavor intensity. Detailed comparisons also showed the importance of the fruit appearance in consumer preference.     

The Choice of Canned Whole Peeled Tomatoes is Driven by Different Key Quality Attributes Perceived by Consumers Having Different Familiarity with the Product

Canned whole peeled tomatoes are a premium tomato product; however, no information is available about the key intrinsic and extrinsic quality attributes perceived by consumers when buying this product. This research considered consumers differing in the level of familiarity with peeled tomatoes, that is, knowledge, frequency of consumption, and availability of this product, on 3 markets: Chile (low), The Netherlands (medium), and Italy (high). The perceptions and preferences of each group were studied using first focus groups and subsequently conjoint analysis in order to identify the key quality attributes leading their preferences for this product. Focus groups identified 7 intrinsic attributes (color, packing medium, tomato consistency, acidity level, sweetness level, extra ingredients, and intensity of product taste), and 5 extrinsic attributes (packaging material, product type, country of origin, brand, and label design). Significant variations according to the familiarity were found. The conjoint analyses showed that color of tomatoes was the most important intrinsic quality attribute for all groups, while packaging material was the most important extrinsic quality attribute for Chileans and Dutch, being a glass container or a can with easy open the preferred packaging for respective groups. In contrast, country of origin was the most important parameter for Italians. We concluded that intrinsic and extrinsic attributes were strongly influenced by the degree of familiarity with canned whole peeled tomatoes.     

Changes in sensory properties and consumer acceptance of reduced fat pork Lyon-style and liver sausages containing inulin and citrus fiber as fat replacers

The effects of fat reduction in Lyon-style (25% fat) and liver sausages (30% fat) using inulin, citrus fiber and partially rice starch were studied in terms of sensory properties and consumer acceptance. Fat reduced Lyon-style sausages (3 to 17% fat) and liver sausages (3 to 20% fat) were respectively compared to the full-fat controls. Reducing fat in Lyon-style sausages decreased meat flavor, aftertaste meat flavor, greasiness and juiciness, and enhanced color intensity, spiciness, spicy aftertaste, raspy throat, coarseness and firmness scores. But adding inulin and citrus fiber led to sensory characteristics similar to the full-fat reference. Regarding liver sausages, attribute scores in greasiness, creaminess, lumpiness and foamy were decreased with fat reduction and simultaneous addition of fibers. Color intensity, spiciness, firmness and attribute furred tongue were increased. Consumer tests revealed acceptable fat reduced (32 to 90% less than control) and fiber enriched (1.0 to 5.6%) sausages. Drivers of liking were found to relate not only to high-fat but also to low-fat samples.     

番茄果实的芳香物质组成及其影响因素研究进展

香气是番茄果实重要的感官品质之一,由果实中400多种具有挥发性的芳香物质协同产生,在很大程度上决定了商品等级和消费者的接受度。本文简述了番茄果实中的芳香物质及其在成熟过程中的变化趋势,总结了其合成途径,并重点介绍了影响番茄果实中芳香物质形成的因素,以期为研究者、生产者、销售者和消费者提供理论和生产实践方面的指导。     

Sensory Characterization of Sweet Corn Lines Differing in Physical and Chemical Composition.

Chemical, physical and sensory characteristics were determined in a population of 103 F₃ families derived from the cross between two sweet corn inbreds that differed in kernel properties associated with eating quality. Kernel characteristics correlated well with panel perception of sensory attributes. Chemical, physical and sensory properties were grouped into three factors: taste—including sweetness, starchiness, juiciness, and sucrose and starch concentrations; texture—crispness, tenderness, juiciness and cooked kernel tenderness; and aroma—sweet corn aroma, grassy aroma, grassy flavor and concentrations of an unknown volatile (V179). The relative importance in determining overall liking was taste 45.1, texture 30.5, and aroma 24.4%.     

Effects of Commercial-scale Pulsed Electric Field Processing on Flavor and Color of Tomato Juice

Effects of commercial‐scale pulsed electric field (PEF) processing on the flavor and color of tomato juice during storage at 4 deg;for 112 d were studied. Tomato juice was prepared by hot break at 88°C for 2 min and then thermally processed at 92° for 90 s or PEF processed at 40 kV/cm for 57 μs. The PEF‐processed tomato juice retained more flavor compounds of trans‐2‐hexenal, 2‐isobutylthiazole, cis‐3‐hexanol than thermally processed or unprocessed control tomato juice (P < 0.05). PEF‐processed juice had significantly lower nonenzymatic browning and higher redness than thermally processed or control juice (P < 0.05). Sensory evaluations indicated that the flavor of PEF‐processed juice was preferred to that of thermally processed juice (P < 0.01).     

CONSUMER ACCEPTANCE OF HONEY MARINATED CHICKEN

Chicken bone-in breast quarters marinated through injection with lemon-pepper poultry marinade containing 20 or 30% honey were compared to that marinated without honey and commercial marinated chicken. The objectives were to determine (1) consumer acceptance and willingness to buy and the amount to pay for marinated chicken and (2) the effect of honey on instrumental measurements of color and texture. Chicken was roasted at 177C for 1 h to an internal endpoint temperature of 80C and evaluated for acceptance by 67 untrained consumers. All experimental test products had similar hedonic ratings for appearance, color, flavor, taste, tenderness, juiciness, and overall liking. All samples, both experimental and commercial, were acceptable, and most consumers would be willing to buy chicken marinated with the formulations used in this study for the same price that they were paying for similar products.