Consumer acceptance of ‘Navelina’ navel oranges

Resumen

The introduction of citrus variety in new areas is mainly based on the edaphic and climatic adaptation linked to the physical-chemical properties of the fruits, requiring more studies about the sensory aspects to comprehend the consumer preferences. In this way, the aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptance of ‘Navelina’ [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb.] navel oranges by consumers and the purchase intent, through sensory evaluation. To perform the harvest, the fruits were first analyzed in relation to the physical-chemical characteristics. Then, 131 untrained panelists representing the consumers were asked to evaluate samples of ‘Navelina’ through the acceptance test performed in individual booths with white light, according to the fruit attributes: appearance, firmness, aroma and taste. At the end, they were asked about the purchase intent of the fruit. The data was subjected to the Principal Component Analyses in order to describe the results and internal preference mapping. According to the results, the ‘Navelina’ fruits present excellent sensory attributes and physical-chemical characteristics associated to the seedless aspect, which are required by the consumers whose express high preference for its fruits, mainly based in the attributes of appearance and taste, attending to the standard requirements of the consumer market.