Comparison of mean scores and R-indices for consumer preferences of apple cultivars

Conventional (analysis of variance, mean preference scores) and novel (R-index) methodologies for hedonic assessments of 'Silken' and 'Creston' apple (Malus xdomestica Borkh.) cultivars from the breeding program at Summerland, B.C., were compared with the standard cultivars Royal Gala, Jonagold, and Golden Delicious. Visual and flavor preferences were evaluated for either three or five cultivars by panels of 50 to 200 consumers. Consumers were successfully able to evaluate five apple samples at a given session. Significant differences in mean preference scores and R-indices were found among cultivars. Both 'Silken' and 'Creston' had higher flavor and lower visual preference ratings than did 'Royal Gala'. Results were consistent for both methodologies when panels consisted of 100 or more consumers. R-index, however, expressed the results as a probability rather than a mean score, and was a more understandable and interpretable measure of consumer preference than were preference ratings.