Since 1997, the Centro APTA Citros Sylvio Moreira / IAC conducts a broad program of genetic improvement of citrus via controlled crosses. These crosses, some with hybrids of sweet orange and mandarin have been selected for fruit quality and potential new varieties. With this, the fruit of a hybrid between Murcott tangor (TM) and Pera sweet orange (LP), called TMxLP 290, underwent physical and chemical analysis and sensory acceptability test in order to evaluate the acceptance of such variety to the consumer market. We analyzed the physicochemical parameters of soluble solids, titratable acidity, ratio, juice yield, color index, number of seeds, fruit mass, but such tests alone are not sufficient to provide information about the product acceptance. Then allied to these analyzes, we carried out the sensory acceptance test with 50 untrained panelists, who evaluated the acceptability of the fruit and the juice of the hybrid TMxLP 290, with the aid of a nine-point hedonic scale. Samples of juice and fruit were served in disposable cups and plates, respectively, at room temperature and in the presence of potable water to rinse the palate between tasting samples and one another. Such evaluations have found that the samples processed (juice) and fresh (fruit) had 84% and 81% approval respectively, indicating good acceptance by the tasters. However, purchase intent among consumers was excellent, with 70% of the tasters would buy the juice and 88% would buy the fruit. Thus we conclude that the hybrid TMxLP 290 is a product with the potential to meet the expectations of the consumer market.
sensory analysis; consumer acceptance test; post-harvest citrus
