Abstract
The physicochemical characterization and the sensory evaluation of six Tunisian dates' cultivars, preselected on the base of the D-optimal design, have been made to compare them with the principal Tunisian dates cultivar, Deglet Nour. The morphological (fresh fruit weight and pulp content) and physicochemical (quality index) studies showed a great diversity among tested cultivars. In fact, the percentage of pulp indicated the existence of cultivars as interesting as Deglet Nour (89.3 ± 0.0), such as Horra (91.9 ± 0.1) and Alig (92.3 ± 0.1). Chemical analysis showed that Mnekher had high levels of total sugars (59.2 ± 0.0 of FM) and that Angou presented the highest ash content (3.6 ± 0.0%). Also, the sensory profiling revealed that each cultivar has its own distinctive characteristics (colour, texture and taste) and that Deglet Nour, Mnekher and Alig presented a tender and soft texture unlike the others, especially the cultivar Kintichi. In addition, the results relating to the hedonic study showed that Deglet Nour,, known as ?finger of light?, was the most appreciated (the best preference score) followed by Alig and Mnekher, whereas, the other studied cultivars were rather rejected by the consumers, especially Horra, Kintichi, Angou and Hamra. These two sensory evaluations revealed that the Tunisian consumer is more attracted by sweet and soft cultivars.
Highlights
In Tunisia, date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.)has a great nutritional and economical importance (Besbes et al, 2009; El Arem et al, 2011)
Since no sensory study was performed on Tunisian cultivars, this work develops a comprehensive physicochemical and sensory characterization of seven Tunisian dates varieties, the majority of which do not benefit so far a commercial or industrial interest compared to Deglet Nour
Sensory characterization of 7 Tunisian dates cultivars, which, the majority does not benefit so far of a commercial or industrial fit, proved that each cultivar is distinguished by several criteria
Summary
In Tunisia, date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.)has a great nutritional and economical importance (Besbes et al, 2009; El Arem et al, 2011). Tunisian palm is represented by more than 250 cultivars (Rhouma, 1994), which are threatened primarily by the expansion of Deglet Nour (Ferry et al, 1998) The preservation of this heritage requires better knowledge about these cultivars including morphological, chemical, biochemical and especially sensory characterization. Sensory analysis for dates is arduous because of the sweet taste of the product, that’s why, the relationships between Tunisian consumer preference and the sensory properties of fresh dates have not been established in the scientific literature (Ismail et al., 2008). Tunisian researches affecting this sector are few. Since no sensory study was performed on Tunisian cultivars, this work develops a comprehensive physicochemical and sensory characterization of seven Tunisian dates varieties, the majority of which do not benefit so far a commercial or industrial interest compared to Deglet Nour
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