TITLE:
Mineral Fertilization Influences the Acceptability of Fresh Pulp and Juice Made from Sugarloaf Pineapple
AUTHORS:
Sabaï Kate, Elvire Line Sossa, Codjo Emile Agbangba, Rodrigue Idohou, Edmond Sacla Aïde, Gbènoukpo Pierre Tovihoudji, Brice Sinsin
KEYWORDS:
Ananas comosus, Fertilizer, Fruit, Intensification, Juice, Sensory
JOURNAL NAME:
Agricultural Sciences,
Vol.11 No.3,
March
20,
2020
ABSTRACT: Fertilization practices can influence the quality of pineapple fruit and consequently its acceptability by consumers who are increasingly oriented towards high quality agri-food products. This study aimed at evaluating the influence of N, P and K on some physico-chemical and organoleptic characteristics of pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merr) for fresh consumption and juice processing. A complete NPK factorial design was installed in the south Benin. The treatments NPK in g plant-1 were randomized into four blocks: T1; T2; T3; T4; T5; T6; T7; T8; T9. Brix juice was determined using a refractometer and pH with a pH meter. An evaluation of sensory characteristics such as sweetness, acid taste and aroma of fresh pineapple pulp and processed juice was made by a panel of tasters selected and trained. A principal components analysis, followed by a numerical classification was performed on fruits’ sensory and physicochemical characteristics. Results showed that juice pH was significantly influenced by the phosphorus and potassium. Potassium influenced significantly juice yield. Some physico-chemical characteristics and sensory attributes were correlated between them and groups of treatments are formed for both the juice and the fresh fruit.