Premium
In Search of the “Ideal” Pear ( pyrus spp. ): Results of a Multidisciplinary Exploration
Author(s) -
Jaeger S.R.,
Lund C.M.,
Lau K.,
Harker F.R.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of food science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1750-3841
pISSN - 0022-1147
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2621.2003.tb08296.x
Subject(s) - ripeness , pear , cultivar , preference , ideal (ethics) , horticulture , biology , mathematics , statistics , ripening , philosophy , epistemology
Preference mapping with 10 pears identified 3 segments among New Zealand consumers. While 1 segment preferred ripe European cultivars, another rejected only the seedling with strong off‐flavors. A 3rd segment combined the 2 former segments, but also rejected 2 hybrid samples. Survey responses to the question “To me, the ideal pear is ⃛” from a 2nd consumer sample confirmed the general preference for juicy and sweet pears, the key characteristics of ripeness. A separate appearance evaluation revealed 4 segments based on color and shape. Combining information from several sources resulted in suggestions for new breeding directions for pears, while highlighting the importance of appearance and the need for more extensive measurements.