title: Sensory properties and consumer acceptance of sweet tamarind varieties grown in Thailand.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sweet tamarind is a major edible fruit and flavoring ingredient particularly in south-east and southern Asia. Little research has focused on the fruit and almost nothing is known of its particular sensory properties. The aims of this research were to develop a lexicon for describing sweet tamarind, to compare varieties grown in Thailand, determine if orchard impacts sensory properties, and determine consumer acceptance of the varieties.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A descriptive sensory lexicon of 25 terms was developed and six varieties were grouped into three clusters based on their sensory properties. The clusters appear to represent varieties that differ in their dark fruity notes and firm, fibrous texture. Generally, the orchard in which the plants were grown had little effect on sensory properties. In general, Sithong was liked by consumers along with Kunthee and Pragaithong. Intapalum was liked less but one small segment of consumers disliked Sithong and liked the Intapalum variety more.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This research provides a foundation for further sensory and consumer research on sweet tamarind varieties by providing the initial data on the sensory properties of sweet tamarind, a lexicon that can be used for future research, and information on the consumer acceptance of tamarind varieties.
authors.affiliation: Department of Product Development, Kasetsart University, 50 Paholyothin Road, Jatujak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.
authors.forename: Chintana
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Oupadissakoon
authors.forename: Edgar
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Chambers
authors.forename: Varapha
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kongpensook
authors.forename: Suntaree
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Suwonsichon
authors.forename: Renoo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Yenket
authors.forename: Annlyse
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Retiveau
mesh_terms: D016000:Cluster Analysis; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D005518:Food Preferences; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000592:standards*; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D009812:Odorants; D012677:Sensation; D029861:Tamarindus / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics; D013649:Taste; D013785:Thailand