Passion fruit sensory evaluation helps grower selection decisions
Extension Education
Mark Bailey
Sustainable Agricultura & Food Systems Agent
Ocala
Abstract
Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) contains variation within the species, affecting characteristics such as size, shape, color, aroma, and flavor. A lack of marketing research about which varieties of passion fruit consumers prefer can significantly affect passion fruit grower planting decisions. Determining which varieties consumers prefer can lead to increased demand for passion fruit and encourage passion fruit production in Florida. To gauge potential consumer interest in different passion fruit varieties, a sensory evaluation of two passion fruit varieties was conducted in Marion County, FL at the Ocala Downtown Market. A total of 121 participants completed the anonymous online survey. Participants were asked if they had previously consumed fresh passion fruit. Participants responded 69% (n=84) “no” they had not, while 31% (n=37) responded “yes” they had. Participants were then asked if they had consumed any kind of passion fruit product. Participants responded 40% (n=48) “no” they had not, while 60% (n=76) responded “yes” they had. A likability rating scale of 1 to 9 was used for the sensory portion of the survey. The evaluation provided participants with fresh cut samples of a purple (P) and yellow (Y) variety. Participants provided the following ratings: overall appearance 7.4 (P) and 7.6 (Y), aroma 7.8 (P) and 7.5 (Y), flavor 7.4 (P) and 6.7 (Y), and overall liking 7.4 (P) and 6.8 (Y). When asked if they preferred one over the other, participant results showed 62% preference for the purple variety over a 38% preference for the yellow variety. This sensory evaluation provides essential marketing information to current and prospective growers about consumer preferences for two different passion fruit varieties.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Mark Bailey
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Bailey, M. Sustainable Agricultura & Food Systems Agent, FACAA, Florida, 34470