Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 September 2011
Introduction. Citrus aurantium L. sour oranges are poorlyexploited in Tunisia, although the Tunisian Cap Bon is one of the major areas ofproduction of sour orange trees. Our study aimed at determining the effect of thegeographic origin of the raw material on quality of orange marmalades and consumeracceptance. Materials and methods. Fresh sour oranges were collected fromfive areas in the Cap Bon region in the North-East of Tunisia for producing marmalades.Physicochemical characterisation of marmalades from the five different origins includedthe determination of soluble solids, total and volatile acidity, the measurement ofreducing sugars, and measurement of colour. Sensory panels from Tunisia, Algeria andEurope revealed the marmalades’ sensory profiles. The sensory panels then attributedpreference and acceptance ranks for the five marmalades. Results anddiscussion. The analyses highlighted an effect of the geographic origin of theraw material on the physicochemical quality. The most suitable geographic conditions seemto be climatic and edaphic criteria. Assessors from various nationalities revealeddifferent sensory profiles depending on the consumer’s nationality and fruit productionregion. In addition, Tunisian consumers are less likely to be marmalade buyers thanEuropean and Algerian consumers.