Classification of Pomegranate Cultivars According to Their Seed Hardness and Wood Perception

Abstract

AbstractExcessive seed hardness and wood perception will drastically limit consumer's acceptance for pomegranate. To classify pomegranate cultivars, easy‐to‐measure instrumental texture parameters and consumer satisfaction degree were assayed. Twenty pomegranate cultivars (sweet, sour‐sweet and sour tastes) with a wide range of seed hardness were used. The instrumental hardness ranged from 9.60 to 59.5 N/mm, whereas the wood index ranged from 4.77 to 15.3%. Classifications based on hardness and wood perception agreed quite well. Cultivars MA3, ME14, MO5, PTO10 or VA1 were classified as appropriate for fresh consumption whereas cultivars BO1, HZ and WOND were classified as appropriate for industrialization. Cultivars ME12, MEC, MO2 and VA11 were finally recommended for fresh consumption not only due to low seed hardness and intermediate wood perception but also due to sweet taste; however, cultivars BA1 and SM were recommended for industrialization because of its sour taste, which is normally not acceptable to consumers. Finally, the cultivar PTO5 can be used for both purposes, as needed.Practical ApplicationsBecause of market demand, it is important to characterize different pomegranate cultivars, not only to classify them in terms of their beneficial properties but also to gather information about the effects of texture attributes (seed hardness and wood perception) on consumer acceptance. Regressions of (1) seed hardness and wood perception versus descriptive hardness and (2) descriptive hardness and wood perception versus instrumental hardness and wood index allowed the classification of pomegranate cultivars according to their final use (fresh consumption and/or industrialization, mainly juice manufacturing).