Quality Factors of Pears, Plums and Sweet Cherries for Fresh Consumption

Abstract

This report represents the results from a Norwegian consumer survey on the quality of pears, plums and sweet cherries for fresh consumption. Internal quality was more important than external quality. Keeping quality and nutritive value were rated low. Among external quality factors an attractive appearance was most important. Size and color were of less importance. Flavor was the most important internal quality factor. Texture came second and was of higher importance to pears than to plums and sweet cherries. The consumers had a stronger dislike to dull and shriveled fruits and fruits with fungal or insect injuries than to fruits with cracks or discolorations. The results of the survey were subdivided by sex, age, income and district. Differences due to sex were small. The preference for soft pears and sweet plums was stronger in low income classes. Consumers in northern Norway had a stronger preference for soft pears than consumers in the southern districts. Young consumers prefer firm and more acid fruits. In all classes apples were the most popular of the 4 species. The preference for sweet cherries decreased and the preference for pears increased with age.