Sensorial descriptors for vegetarian pigeon pea hamburger patties according to a focus group

Abstract

the Pigeon Pea is a legume that has become an alternative food security crop, associated with improvement of the soil, fodder, green manure and the protection of hidric basins. It is rich in vitaminsand proteins and considered nutritious for animals and humans. Four pilot plant tests with Costa Rican beans were done to produce an acceptableformulation of the hamburger patty. We preliminarily found that 15% of texturized soy, less than 1% of salt and 2% of Binder 2.0 were enough to create an acceptable patty for the consumer. Afterwards, afocus group of 12 people found that: a) the product belongs in four trends: good taste, ecology friendly, convenient and multipurpose;b) the target market can be children as well as adults or people withspecial needs (cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes); c) the sensorial descriptors were: healthy, non artificial flavors, with non transgenicsoy, with spices (like garlic, onion, basil and rosemary), biodegradable packaging material, transparent lid, and red and yellow or green andorange packaging material; d) can be sold in macrobiotics shops, supermarkets, restaurants and school cafeterias; e) presentation can be 4to 12 units with flavors like asparagus, mixed vegetables, palmetto and spinach. All participants reported good flavor, intermediate texture (rejectedby most), and good color and appearance (cooked and frozen). With additional study, the product can be sold commercially.