Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Raleigh, North Carolina » Market Quality and Handling Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #145538
Title: DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS AND U.S. CONSUMER ACCEPTABILITY OF PEANUTS FROM DIFFERENT ORIGINS

Author
item YOUNG, NIKKISHA - NC STATE UNIVERSITY
item Sanders, Timothy
item DRAKE, MARYANNE - NC STATE UNIVERSITY
item OSBORNE, JASON - NC STATE UNIVERSITY
item CIVILLE, GAIL - SENSORY SPECTRUM, INC

Submitted to: Food Quality and Preference
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/16/2003
Publication Date: 2/5/2004
Citation: Young, N.D., Sanders, T.H., Drake, M., Osborne, J.A., Civille, G.V. Descriptive analysis and U.S. consumer acceptability of peanuts from different origins. Food Quality and Preference 16:37-43.

Interpretive Summary: Consumer preference for specific peanut flavor characteristics can result in a significant marketing advantage. We determined the flavor characteristics of peanuts from the three major world market exporters: United States, China and Argentina and then evaluated U.S. consumer preference of peanuts from those origins. Descriptive sensory analysis indicated higher roasted peanut flavor and no off-flavors in U.S. peanuts compared to peanuts from the other origins and U. S. consumers also preferred peanuts from the U.S. The studies to compare U.S. and other origin peanuts and the documented superior quality of U.S. peanuts provide a significant marketing tool to the U.S. industry for promoting export sales of U.S. peanuts.

Technical Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate descriptive and consumer flavor responses to peanuts (Arachis hypogaea, runner-type) from different production origins: United States, China, and Argentina. Twenty 25-lb lots from each country (a total of 60) were randomly selected by manufacturers, and then shipped to the United States. After roasting, peanuts were evaluated using descriptive analysis. Six samples from each origin, which covered the range of attributes and intensities, were selected for consumer testing. Consumers (n=100) evaluated peanuts for overall liking and strength/intensity for liking of: color, flavor and texture attributes using a nine-point hedonic scale. Descriptive sensory profiles specific for the different origins were observed (p<0.05). Consumer scores for overall liking were United States, China, and Argentina, respectively. Overall and flavor liking exhibited strong correlation with strength/intensity for liking characteristics of many of the attributes studied (p<0.05). This study demonstrated that production origin does impact descriptive properties and consumer preference of roasted peanuts.