SENSORY EVALUATION OF NEW BIOFORTIFIED PINK GRAIN BEAN CULTIVARS IN PANAMA

Abstract

Anemia is the biggest public health problem in Panama due to micronutrient deficiency. Phaseolus vulgaris bean is an iron source and is a high-consumption staple crop in Panama. Two biofortified pink grain bean cultivars (P-09-11 and P-13-38) were selected for their high yield and iron content as a product of agronomic research in genetic enhancement. The study was carried out with the aim of knowing the bean grain preference by consumers, according to a sensory assessment composed of 119 adult panelists, from the Ngäbe Bugle region (Cerro Mesa and Hato Chami) and the provinces of Herrera (Las Minas) and Veraguas (Santa Fe). Sociodemographic and consumer data were collected through a descriptive survey. Sensory tests of preference for sorting were applied to three bean samples: biofortified P-09-11 and P-13-38 and conventional pink grain. Statistical analysis of sensory test results was done using the Sum of Range Absolute Critical Differences Table for "All Treatments" comparisons, at a significance level of 5%. It was determined that 77,8% of respondents sow beans; 76,8% consume it two to four times a week. Results showed that there is no preference between biofortified P-09-11 and P-13-38 and conventional pink grain. A preference was observed for pink grain in areas of the Ngäbe Bugle region prior to P-09-11, while there was no preference among the other bean cultivars.