In Pursuit of the Perfect Peach: Consumer-assisted Selection of Peach Fruit Traits

Abstract

<jats:p>Despite production of the first domestically produced peach of the calendar year in the United States, the subtropical peach industry faces marketing challenges, particularly with small fruit size. Although important, size is only one aspect of fruit quality, and not inclusive of all possible fruit quality attributes. Thus, this research asked consumers to identify an “ideal” peach given a combination of possible peach fruit quality attributes to help determine their influence on consumer purchase. These attributes were verified with farmers’ market intercept studies. The top attributes that fostered purchase likelihood included flavor, texture, size, and firmness. Psychophysics studies showed that consumers preferred peaches that were sweet, juicy, round, with freestone or semifreestone characteristics, whereas consumers were less likely to purchase peaches with mealy, dry, or meaty textures. Young consumers (ages 18–24) preferred crisp, firm peaches with good flavor, whereas older consumers (ages 51–65) preferred sweet, melting-texture peaches. Farmers’ market intercept studies found consumers (ages 45–65) preferred melting-texture peaches with good flavor that led to increased overall liking. In addition, in the farmers’ market studies, aroma and flavor were important attributes and were highly correlated with overall liking. Objective measurements of total soluble solids (TSS) were not correlated with overall liking, indicating that although the nationwide experiment found consumers desired sweet peaches, other attributes may contribute more favorably to overall liking.</jats:p>

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization on Subtropical Peach Fruit Quality: Organic Acids, Phytochemical Content, and Total Antioxidant Capacity

“…As consumers learn about the health benefits of fruits (Prior and Cao, 2000), they are demanding fruit with higher antioxidant and phytochemical capacities, as clearly demonstrated by the popularity of fruits (Gilbert et al, 2014;Olmstead et al, 2015). Increased consumption of fruits has been associated with potential protection against age-related diseases (Ames et al, 1993).…”

“…Subtropical peaches are greatly appreciated for their great taste, flavor, and aroma. Ideal subtropical peach fruit quality and high nutritive value drives consumer satisfaction measured by initial and repeat consumer purchases (Colaric et al, 2005;Delgado et al, 2013;Hudina and Stampar, 2000;Olmstead et al, 2015). In addition to excellent fruit taste, subtropical peaches are also a good source of vitamin C and have a fair amount of antioxidant activity (Cantín et al, 2009).…”

“…In addition to excellent fruit taste, subtropical peaches are also a good source of vitamin C and have a fair amount of antioxidant activity (Cantín et al, 2009). Olmstead et al (2015) conducted an IdeaMap (Moskowitz Jacobs, White Plains, NY) consumer survey to identify ''ideal'' subtropical peach attributes that contribute to repeated consumer purchase. According to the survey, vitamin C scored high after flavor and texture, suggesting consumers prefer high nutrient value in subtropical peaches.…”

Preferred Attributes of Peaches With Protected Designation of Origin Calanda

“…The "ideal" peach is that fruit with the best quality attributes combination. It was studied by Olmstead et al (2015). The top attributes of the "ideal" peach include good flavour, texture, size and firmness.…”

Fruit Quality and Consumer Acceptability of Three Plum Types and 14 Plum Cultivars Grown in Maine for a Local Market

“…However, these traits are not as well characterized in american plums. Texture is not well studied in plums but has an impact on acceptability of sweet cherry (Chauvin et al, 2009), peach (Olmstead et al, 2015), and northern highbush blueberry [Vaccinium corymbosum (Gilbert et al, 2014)]. Many factors in addition to sweetness, sourness, and firmness contribute to fruit quality such as aroma, bitterness, astringency, and juiciness for which optimum ranges are not yet established.…”