One of the topics most discussed in culinary discussions is the convenience of consuming healthy products such as fruits and vegetables. At that time, however, there are divergences as some people eat a lot more fruit than others. The reason, it seems, lies in their preference for sour tastes.
A study in Spain, Poland, Greece and the Netherlands has concluded that the reason why some people consume more daily fruit than others is their preference for sour tastes. The Institute for Research and Food Technology (IRTA), part of the Department of Agriculture of the Government of Catalonia, and the Institute for Agricultural Economics of the University of Wageningen (Netherlands) conducted the survey.
Childhood is a key stage for fruit consumption
The study also yielded information about the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents and their preferences regarding health-oriented foods, comfort, price or routine. The findings show that those who choose sour tastes don't give too much importance to comfort, or at least they do it significantly less than those who prefer sweet foods.
According to the researchers, the link between the preference for sour tastes and this routine behaviour can be explained in terms of food education. Dr. M. Dolors Guardia, from the IRTA, said that they had learned that, "consumers with a preference for more complex flavours, such as sour tastes, have been regular consumers of fruit from their childhood."
From an early age
Therefore, promoting the consumption of fruit during this stage of human development would promote the acceptance of new foods, textures and sensory properties. Thus, "these people are more open-minded to trying unfamiliar foods," said the researcher.
The research also highlights that there is some geographical distribution in terms of preference for sweet, sour or salty tastes. Hence, consumers in southern Europe prefer salty flavours while consumers in Eastern Europe opt for sour tastes.
Fruit consumption it recommended, among other things, because it can help eliminate our toxins, it is an effective antioxidant and it is a delicious toner. Furthermore, the fruit's composition integrates the seven basic principles for a healthy and balanced diet, as they contain water, minerals, natural sugars, fibre, vitamins, carotenoids and bioflavonoids.
Source: guiagastronomika.diariovasco.com