Apple flavor and its effects on sensory characteristics and consumer preference

The focus within the apple industry is to identify varieties most preferred by consumers. To help with this, it is necessary to emphasize the discovery of flavor perceptions responsible for consumer preference in apples. The present study aimed to determine which flavor attributes are associated with different apple varieties, determine which apple varieties consumers prefer, and to determine which flavor attributes are contributing to consumer preference. Over two subsequent years, a trained sensory panel (n = 10, n = 15) evaluated 27 and 28 varieties, respectively. Intensity ratings of taste, flavor, and texture characteristics for each apple variety were recorded. This data was paired with an untrained consumer hedonic evaluation (n = 226) using a subset of apple varieties (n = 16). Results revealed that two large groups of apple consumers exist. Group 1 (29%) emphasized the importance of texture, while Group 2 (49%) was primarily driven by sweet taste, and honey and floral flavors with less focus on texture. Practical Applications The results of this research provide insight into the positive and negative preference drivers of apple consumers. By understanding flavors associated with consumer preference, the information can be used as a tool to aid breeding programs in the creation of consumer-centric apples that will be commercialized. Additionally, through the creation of an external preference map, a point-of-reference has been created to serve as a predictor for upcoming apple varieties to the Ontario apple industry.