Evaluation of fresh red bayberry (Myrica rubra) fruit acceptance

Abstract

A preliminary study was undertaken to gauge acceptance of fresh red bayberry (Myrica rubra) fruit from China by consumers not familiar with the crop. Fruit imported into Australia were assessed for appearance, flavour, and mouthfeel. Untrained panellists (n = 17) rated the fruit on a linear 9‐point hedonic rating scale from 1 (dislike extremely) to 9 (like extremely), the midpoint being neither like nor dislike. The fruit were generally well accepted, gaining mean scores of 7.2, 6.9, and 6.7 for appearance, flavour, and mouthfeel, respectively. The panellists suggested that fresh red bayberry fruit were berry‐like and, in particular, mulberry‐like. The fruit was considered attractive and juicy, with an agreeable sugar/acid balance and an appealing unusual mouthfeel. These findings suggest that fresh red bayberry fruit may be acceptable to consumers in countries other than their native China.

Keywords:

• consumers
• Myrica rubra
• red bay berry
• taste