Can you taste the banana in a strawberry? A large strawberry study reveals the peculiar taste of Finns
The Finnish Broadcasting Television YLE released a radio report and TV News about the strawberry sensory quality studies conducted within the BreedingValue project.
The internet version of the article (in Finnish language), which was published on 28th June 2024, also contains a short video clip featuring Dr Saila Karhu who is leading the BreedingValue activities at “The Natural Resouces Institute Finland (LUKE)” in Finland. The internet article is available via the following link:
The article describes the sensory quality studies conducted within the frame of BreedingValue in which different varieties of strawberries were tested with regards to taste and their appearance.
Dr Saila Karhu explains in the article that the Finnish taste differs from European taste. Preliminary results show that appearance has a significant influence on the willingness to buy, but taste can change one's mind. While large and bright red strawberries appeal to consumers, smaller and more traditional varieties are often more appealing to Finns. Therefore, the aim is also to develop new strawberry varieties based on Finnish taste preferences. In the article Dr Saila Karhu also refers to the final results of the BreedingValue sensory quality studies, to be expected for next year, which will be used to identify the chemical compounds in the strawberry varieties that consumers like best.