Exploring the potential of pumpkin seed spread: Sensory and instrumental evaluation in relation to consumer preferences


DURSUN SAYDAM D., Önal R., DEMİRKESEN BIÇAK H.

Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, cilt.148, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 148
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.jfca.2025.108451
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of Food Composition and Analysis
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Analytical Abstracts, BIOSIS, Biotechnology Research Abstracts, CAB Abstracts, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Consumer preference, Correlation of analysis, Mathematical modeling, Pumpkin seed spread
  • İstanbul Yeni Yüzyıl Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Pumpkin seed with its rich nutrient content and easy accessibility is a promising candidate for novel plant-based products. In this study, different formulations were generated to produce pumpkin seed spread within the framework of a Box-Behnken experimental design. Sensory and instrumental analyses were then conducted to assess the qualitative characteristics of the spread samples, while consumer preference-driven mathematical modeling methods were employed to identify the optimal formulation. The fatty acid profile as well as the fundamental analytical analysis of the samples was presented in detail. With the response surface evaluation of color and texture measurements, it was found that all components individually and in interaction had a significant impact on the work of shear and color brightness of the samples. It was found that samples with moderate fat content appealed more to consumers through sensory analysis. Although no correlation was established between instrumental and sensory parameters, it was determined that the composition of the most favored pumpkin seed spread matched the production levels of the sample deemed optimal by instrumental analysis (25 % sunflower oil and 12.5 % honey).