Passion Fruit Sensory Evaluation Helps Grower Selection Decisions
Extension Education
Mark Bailey
Sustainable Agricultura & Food Systems Agent
Ocala
Abstract
Situation: 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 economic viability. Objectives: Determining which varieties consumers prefer can lead to increased demand for passion fruit and encourage consumer-driven passion fruit production in Florida. Methods: To gauge potential consumer interest in passion fruit and compare passion fruit varieties, two sensory evaluations were conducted in Marion County, FL at the Ocala Downtown Market. In 2023 a purple variety was evaluated and in 2024 a purple and yellow variety were evaluated. A total of 232 participants completed the anonymous online survey. Results: Participants were asked if they had previously consumed fresh passion fruit. Participants responded 62% (n=144) “no” they had not, while 38% (n=88) responded “yes” they had. Participants were then asked if they had consumed any kind of passion fruit product. Participants responded 37% (n=86) “no” they had not, while 64% (n=149) 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 7.6 (P) and 7.5 (Y), flavor 7.4 (P) and 6.7 (Y), and overall liking 7.7 (P) and 6.8 (Y). When asked if they preferred one over the other, 62% preferred the purple variety while 38% preferred the yellow variety. Conclusion: These sensory evaluations provide essential marketing information to current and prospective growers about consumer preferences for two different passion fruit varieties. This kind of sensory evaluation of new crops can serve as a model for new crops that growers may be interested in adopting.
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, Florida Association of County Agricultural Agents, Florida, 34470