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In developing countries, problems such as malnutrition and food insecurity are shifting from rural to urban areas because of rapid urbanization. However, regional variations in alimental food consumption within urban settings have often been ignored. Using survey data, our study examines regional patterns of expenditure on fresh vegetables, fruits, and peanut products in urban households of Ghana. After accounting for socioeconomic and demographic factors, food expenditure on fresh vegetables and peanut products and income elasticity vary significantly across major cities. Food distributors may adjust their marketing strategies, while policy makers should pay attention to possible disparities in urban areas.

A survey was conducted to determine current consumer attitudes toward irradiation. The mailed questionnaire was designed to be self-administered. Results were obtained from responses of 54% of 918 questionnaires mailed out to consumers in the metro-Atlanta area. Results indicated that 72% of consumers are aware of irradiation and, among these, 87.5% indicated that they have heard about irradiation but do not really know that much about it. Over 30% of consumers believe that irradiated food is radioactive. Consumers are less concerned about irradiation than they are about food additives, pesticide residues, animal drug residues, growth hormones, and bacteria. The risk to workers and environmental issues are among the top concerns regarding irradiation. The percentage of consumers who would buy irradiated food is 45%; 19% would not buy it, and others are undecided. Results indicate that a more favorable response will be observed when a choice of irradiated poultry, meats, and seafood is offered.

Peanuts are important dietary food source of resveratrol with potent antioxidant properties implicated in reducing risk of cancer, cardiovascular and Alzheimer's disease, and delaying aging. Resveratrol is a naturally occurring stilbene phytoalexin phenolic compound produced in response to a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses. This paper is a review of trans-resveratrol and related stilbenes from peanuts--their chemical structures, mechanisms for their biosynthesis, and concentrations in comparison with other major food sources. It will also discuss trans-resveratrol's absorption, bioavailability, and major health benefits; processes to enhance their biosynthesis in peanuts by biotic and abiotic stresses; process optimization for enhanced levels in peanuts and their potential food applications; and methods used for its extraction and analysis.

The paper examines the frequency of eating fruits and vegetables in three major cities in Ghana applying survey data collected by authors in 2011. Results based on responses provided by over 1,000 households indicate that tomato and orange were the most often eaten vegetable and fruit, respectively. However, there are substantial regional differences implying the importance of climatic differences and availability of specific types of produce. The paper also reports differences in purchased fruits and vegetables between those spending below or above the sample average on these two food categories and reports on differences in the selection of retail outlet type in shopping for fruits and vegetables. Knowledge of the identified differences has direct implications for the suppliers and distributors of fresh fruits and vegetables in Ghana.

The present study identifies factors influencing preferences for common groundnut products using information about product perceptions from residents in Ghana's cities collected in 2011. In Ghana, domestically produced groundnuts, processed into a variety of groundnut products, are a vital source of protein and other nutrients.Response summaries provide insights about the eating frequency of various products, whereas a bivariate ordered probit model identifies factors influencing preferences for groundnut paste and roasted groundnuts. Attributes such as taste, protein content and healthfulness are important for roasted groundnuts, whereas aroma, taste and protein content are associated with a preference for groundnut paste. Large households prefer paste, whereas the less educated and those from households with children prefer roasted groundnuts. Adding a child (4-12 years old) increases probability of 'liking very much' roasted groundnuts and an additional adult at home changes that probability regarding groundnut paste. College-educated consumers prefer groundnut paste less than those with less education. Consumers from Tamale and Takoradi prefer roasted groundnuts and groundnut paste more than Accra households.Taste and protein content are attributes of groundnut paste and roasted groundnuts preferred by consumers. Location is a significant factor shaping preference for roasted groundnuts and groundnut paste. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

The popularity of functional beverages such as tea and herbal infusions led to the search for alternative sources of raw materials that provide great taste and functionality to consumers. Peanut skins are a rich source of phenolic compounds and their utilization in beverage was attempted. Total phenolics (TP) and antioxidant capacity (AOC) were determined in beverages prepared from heat treated peanut skins (Runner, Virginia, Spanish) using three infusion strengths (1, 1.25, 1.5 g/100 mL) and times (2, 6, 10 min). Runner infusions had the highest TP and AOC followed by Spanish then Virginia infusions. Maximum values for TP (110 mg GAE/g), TEAC (1.11 mmol TE/g) and ORAC (1343 μmol TE/g) were obtained from Runner infusions (1 g/100 mL for 10 min). Regression analysis showed that infusion strength and time were significantly related to TP and AOC content of peanut skin infusions. TP and AOC of skins directly affected the sensory attributes of infusions prepared. Runner (mean intensity rating of 108.6 mm) and Spanish (106.6 mm) infusions were more bitter than Virginia (100.9 mm) infusions. Peanut skin infusions prepared are rich in phenolics and have high antioxidant capacities. Beverage formulations from peanut skins would deliver beneficial effects, but formulation issues to achieve consumer acceptability need to be resolved.

Phenolic antioxidant compounds, including resveratrol, are associated with reduced risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease, and delayed ageing. This study aims to quantify synergistic enhancement of phenolics and antioxidants in peanuts by combinations of ultrasound (US)–UV treatments, compared to either US or UV, and determine optimum parameters for combined US–UV process. LC–MS confirmed the bioactive phenolics: trans-resveratrol, trans-piceid, and p-coumaric-, caffeic-, and ferulic-acids, which achieved maximum increases, with combined US–UV, compared to US or UV; as did total phenolics (TP), TEAC, and ORAC. Optimum parameters for a combined US–UV process will provide up to 4.8 μg/g trans-resveratrol, 170 μg/g p-coumaric acid, and 150 μM TE/g ORAC or >100% that found in red wines; 1.0 μg/g trans-piceid, 2.6 μg/g ferulic acid, 1.48 mg GAE/g TP, and consumer acceptance ⩾5. Optimum combined US–UV resulted in 1.3× or 2.3× the trans-resveratrol concentrations in US or UV, respectively, suggesting synergistic effect of UV and US in enhancing resveratrol in peanuts.

The effects of varying doses of UV and ultrasound (US), and incubation times at 25 °C on total phenolics (TP), antioxidant capacity by two methods, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and sensory overall acceptance (OA) of treated peanuts were investigated. Optimum process parameters for UV and US were determined using response surface methodology. UV and US increased TP, TEAC and ORAC total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of most treated peanuts, whereas OA decreased in all treatments compared to controls. US was more effective than UV in increasing total antioxidants. Optimum US process parameters at 36 h incubation time will result in products with TAC ≥ 68 μM TE/g, TP ≥ 1.51 mg GAE/g, TEAC ≥ 2.76 μM TE/g, and OA ≥ 5 or neither like nor dislike.

The effects of varying doses of UV and ultrasound (US) treatments on the concentrations of resveratrol, piceid and total stilbenes, and sensory overall acceptance of peanuts were evaluated using response surface methodology. UV and US treatments resulted in increased (α

A reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) procedure was developed for simultaneous determination of five phenolic acids, two stilbenes and eight flavonoids in peanut skin extract. A C 18 column fitted with diode array detection at 250 and 320, 280 and 370, and 306 nm for phenolic acids, flavonoids and stilbenes, respectively, with mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid in water and 0.1% formic acid in 100% acetonitrile. Phenolic compounds were eluted with good resolution (Rs > 1.5) within 95 min as follows: gallic, protocatechuic, epigallocatechin, catechin, β-resorcylic (internal standard), caffeic, procyanidin B 2 , epicatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, p -coumaric, ferulic, piceid, epicatechin gallate, catechin gallate, resveratrol and quercetin. The variation in recovery and reproducibility in peak area was r , of calibration curves of the 15 compounds were >0.999. The method was used to quantify phenolic compounds in peanut skin extracts from Runner, Virginia and Spanish peanuts.

Total phenolics and antioxidant capacities of heat-treated skins from Runner, Virginia and Spanish peanut types were evaluated. Peanut skin extracts were evaluated for total phenolics (TP), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and peroxyl-radical trapping capacity (PRTC) assay. Factors studied were temperature (90, 112, 135, 158 and 180 °C), time (5, 15 and 25 min) and peanut types. Runners significantly ( P

Ready-to-eat poultry frankfurters were irradiated by electron-beam at medium doses of 0, 1, 2 and 3 kGy and evaluated for sensory characteristics over a 32 day refrigerated storage period. A descriptive panel identified and rated 31 attributes describing the effects of irradiation dose on the appearance, aroma, flavor and texture of the frankfurters throughout the shelf-life. It was found that storage time had a more significant effect on frankfurters than irradiation dose. Irradiation affected the aroma attributes of chicken, cured meat, spice blend, and wet dog; the flavor attributes of meaty, chickeny, and off-flavor; and the taste attributes of sour and sweet. The texture of the poultry frankfurters was not significantly affected by irradiation.

A trained descriptive analysis panel evaluated raw and cooked sensory attributes for both fresh and frozen commercially available shrimp. While significant differences in sensory attributes existed among the type of frozen shrimp evaluated (Georgia white, Georgia brown, Gulf white, Gulf brown, Gulf pink, Honduras white, Belise white, Columbia white, and Burma black tiger), only appearance attributes could uniquely differentiate a specific type of frozen shrimp. Flavor and texture attributes were not unique to one type of frozen shrimp, hence no single attribute could be used for branding of shrimp. While frozen shrimp had greater intensities of cooked shrimp flavor and aroma, fresh shrimps were characterized as being sweeter and juicier than frozen shrimp. Both juiciness and sweetness decreased in Georgia white shrimp when stored on ice.

Effect of postharvest stress application by slicing at 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 cm, exposure to ultrasound (power density of 39.2 mW/cm3) for 4 min at 25 degrees C and subsequent incubation for 24, 36, 42, and 48 h on trans-resveratrol concentrations, and sensory attributes were evaluated using response surface methodology. Peanuts sliced 0.4 and 0.6 cm, exposed to ultrasound, and incubated for 42 h had trans-resveratrol concentrations above 1.0 microg/g, as did all samples incubated for 48 h. The optimized area was bound by peanut size of 0.89, 0.72, and 0.64 and incubation time of 48, 41.5, and 48 h, respectively. Combinations of treatments that fall within the optimized area were predicted to result in a peanut with a trans-resveratrolor = 1.0 microg/g; slightly lower roasted peanut aroma (24) and flavor (43); peanut butter aroma (14), and flavor (31) compared to controls with attribute ratings of 33, 78, 38, and 51, respectively; and slightly higher oxidized aroma (6), and painty (0.5), fishy (6), and cardboard flavor (4) compared to controls rated 0 for all attributes.

Summary A mixture experimental design was used to evaluate the combined effects of non-fermented (PDPF) and fermented (F-PDPF) peanut flours, added feed moisture content, and extrusion temperature on physical properties of extruded cornstarch-peanut flour-based snacks. Moisture content, expansion ratio, bulk density, modified Kramer compression-shear force and colour of extrudates were significantly affected by the amount of PDPF and F-PDPF in the formulation. Oil absorption by extrudates was only influenced by the type of peanut flour. Within the range of (per 1-kg batch) 0.30–0.34 g g−1 added water, 0.16–0.20 g g−1 PDPF and/or F-PDPF, and extrusion temperatures of 125 to 150°C, extrudates with a wide range of functional characteristics can be produced.

Summary Dry cowpeas, an excellent source of protein and B-vitamins, are underutilized in the US primarily because of their inconvenience. Akara, a popular West African food made from whipped cowpea paste that is seasoned and deep-fat fried, has potential for extending use of cowpeas in US markets. Acceptance tests involving 450 respondents were conducted to assess response of US consumers to akara. Akara was most acceptable to Caucasians, older consumers, and those with no, little or some high school education. Its most appropriate use was perceived as a snack food with sauce and as a fully cooked, frozen, reheatable product.

Summary A study was conducted to identify perceptions of Thai consumers toward peanuts and related products using a food/food-use appropriateness matrix and to identify new peanut products that exhibit good potential for being accepted by Thais. Most respondents were highly educated young Thai adults who had resided in the U.S. for 4 years or less. Factor analysis of the matrix consisting of sixteen peanut and related products and fourteen use situations identified two food (snack food and every day food) and three use groups (general use, special occasion and value/convenience). The snack food group was deemed appropriate for special occasions and children, while the every day food group was appropriate for general use and when concern existed about value and convenience. The every day food group was also perceived as being appropriate for snacking. Three peanut-based products representing good potential for acceptance were identified as ice cream type, milk type and non-peanut butter spread type.

Summary Chinese-type noodles were prepared from wheat flour fortified with 7–21% defatted peanut and 4–12% cowpea flours. A full factorial 4X4 design was used. Fifteen supplemented Chinese-type noodle formulae and a control sample were analysed for protein content and physical and sensory qualities. The protein content of noodles was increased as the level of peanut/cowpea flours increased. Colour and cutting force of supplemented noodles were affected negatively by cowpea and peanut flours, respectively. Sensory scores for firmness and yellowness of supplemented Chinese-type noodles were decreased as the level of peanut/cowpea flours increased. Computer-generated response surface and contour plot interpretations revealed that up to 15% peanut flour and 8% cowpea flour supplementation will produce acceptable supplemented Chinese noodles with high protein content (21%).

This study assessed the meaning of just-about-right (JAR) categories when used with a 5-point intensity scale. The panelists comprised both consumer and in-house respondents. The JAR categories have various meanings as perceived by the respondents: "prefer product," "very good," "I like the product," "like it very much," "highly favorable," "high acceptability," "desirable like the product, " "best for the situation " and "correct. Thus, the JAR meanings invoke preference and acceptability. This article presents two additional analyses to help the product tested. One method of analysis divides below-JAR deviation from the above-JAR deviation, with standard statistical procedures applied in each data set. The second method introduces the signal-to-noise ratio statistic for analyzing the relation of JAR to overall liking. Both analytic methods provide new ways to look at the JAR data, especially with respect to hedonics and product improvement.

Central location tests (CLT) were conducted for five consecutive days to determine consumer acceptance of chocolate peanut cream. Scales for intensity, just-about-right (JAR) and hedonic ratings were used to measure each attribute evaluated. Consumers (n = 152) were asked to rate the intensities of spreadability, chocolate, peanut and overall flavors, and texture using a 9-point scale. JAR scales were used to evaluate the same attributes as well as aroma; while overall acceptance was assessed using a 9-point hedonic scale. Means and frequencies of each sensory attribute were obtained. Chi-square analysis was used to analyze JAR ratings.

Consumer acceptance and intensity ratings of roasted peanuts stored at temperatures of 23, 30, 35, and 40 °C, and water activities (aw) of 0.33, 0.44, 0.54, 0.67 and 0.75 were determined over time. Consumer acceptance ratings, including overall, appearance, color, and texture were affected by storage water activity and time, but not by storage temperature. Consumer intensity ratings of crunchiness were affected by storage water activity and time, but not storage temperature. Aroma acceptance, flavor acceptance, and roasted peanutty and stale/oxidized/rancid intensity ratings of roasted peanuts were dependent on storage temperature, water activity and time. Shelf-life of roasted peanuts was predicted by all consumer attributes ( R 2 > 0.60 ) and was best predicted by aroma acceptance ( R 2 = 0.75 ). Using contour plots with ratings >5.0 for all acceptance attributes, the shelf-life of roasted peanuts stored at 23 °C and between 0.33 and 0.75 aw was limited by overall acceptance and decreased by approximately 50% with each 0.1 aw increase. At accelerated temperatures of 30, 35 and 40 °C, shelf-life of roasted peanuts was predominantly limited by flavor acceptance (>5.0), and to a lesser extent by overall acceptance (>5.0). Shelf-life of roasted peanuts stored at accelerated temperatures decreased by 50% or more with each 0.1 aw increase.

SummaryPercentages of peanut fines, sugar and butter in a peanut polvoron formulation were optimized using mixture response surface methodology (RSM). A consumer panel evaluated colour, appearance, flavour, texture and overall acceptance of a control and 15 experimental formulations of peanut polvor

The objective of this study was to predict the sensory properties of stored roasted peanuts using instrumental methods. Roasted peanuts were stored at 20 treatment combinations of temperature (23, 30, 35 and 40C) and water activity (A w ; 0.33, 0.44, 0.54, 0.67 and 0.75 A w ), then evaluated after storing for up to 91 days using descriptive analysis (n = 12) and instrumental methods. Stored samples were also evaluated by consumers (n = 50). Regression models (adj. R 2 ≥ 0.70) indicated that increasing storage A w resulted in decreasing color lightness (L value). Increasing storage time and A w increased both measured A w and percent moisture of roasted peanuts. Sensory texture attribute intensities were best predicted by percent moisture (adj. R 2 ≥ 0.78), whereas consumer ratings were best predicted (adj. R 2 ≥ 0.74) by color or percent moisture. Instrumental texture analyses did not predict descriptive or consumer ratings. While percent moisture was the best predictor of consumer acceptance of stored roasted peanuts, color was an excellent alternative predictor and employed a much simpler assay.

One-on-one interviews were conducted nationwide in different regions in the Philippines. A total of 387 households participated in the survey. Most households bought peanut butter at least once a month. Results indicated that sweetness, brand. and price of product were the major, factors that influenced the choice of Filipino consumers of peanut butter to bity. There was some indication of “brand loyalty”. Approximately two-thirds of Filipino families actually preferred the firm (stabilized) type of peanut butter even when they bought the flowing (not stabilized) type because of lower price of the latter. Color was not a major factor considered by Filipino consumers in buying peanut butter. Some consumers (50%) liked added flavor (chocolate or fruit jelly) in their peanut butter and were willing to pay more than PhP 1.00 additional price for it. Filipino consumers were aware and knowledgeable about vitamin A and the presence of vitamin A-fortified food products in the market. They indicated that they would buy vitamin A-fortified peanut products when these were made available. Most of them (>90%) were willing to pay more than PhP 0.25 additional price with a large proportion who were willing to pay more than PhP 1.00 additional price.

Peanut butter and peanut butter based products, although flavorful and nutritious, are rarely found in Eastern European diets. To exploit marketing opportunities for peanut products in the region, consumer acceptance of smooth (PBS) and crunchy (PBCN) peanut butters was determined through central location tests (CLT) at an International Food Fair in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Consumers (147) were asked to rate their feelings about the intensities of spreadability, overall flavor, and texture using a nine-point intensity scale. Just-about-right (JAR) scales were used to evaluate the same attributes and aroma. Overall acceptance was assessed using a nine-point hedonic scale. Descriptive statistics, the paired t-test and chi-square test were used to analyze the data. The cross tabulation indicated that all of the products tested were rated acceptable for consumers of all ages and income ranges. This information provides a basis for introducing peanut butter to the Bulgarian and Eastern European consumers, t...

Response surface methodology was used to profile and characterize formulations of chocolate peanut spread. A constrained mixture design for 36 different formulations with varying peanut (P), chocolate (C) and sugar (S) was used. A processing variable, roast (R), was included where peanuts were roasted to light, medium and dark levels. A descriptive panel (n = 10) identified and rated 24 attributes, using 150-mm unstructured line scales. Regression analysis was performed and models were reduced. Models having R 2 > 0.70 were selected for prediction. Contour maps were constructed to: (1) visualise the effects of mixture components and roasting level and (2) characterise optimum formulations at light, medium and dark, which were determined as (30-49% P, 23-40% C and 21-31% S); (29-65% P, 0.9-41% C and 17-36% S) and (27-56% P, 19-45% C and 18-35% S), respectively, adding up to 100% of the mixture. Analyses of optimum and nonoptimum formulations and significant differences were not found between predicted and observed values for most attributes.

The acceptability of the sensory properties of a peanut-chocolate bar was optimized for consumer acceptance using response surface methodology. The factors studied included sugar, peanuts, cocoa powder and a process variable, degree of roast. Twenty-seven peanut-chocolate bar formulations with two replications were evaluated for consumer acceptance (n = 168) for overall liking and acceptance of color, appearance, flavor, sweetness and texture using 9-point hedonic scales. In terms of overall liking, the use of dark-roasted peanuts received the largest number of acceptable formulations when compared to the medium- and light-roasted peanuts. Sensory evaluation indicated that sweetness acceptance was the limiting factor for acceptability. An acceptable peanut-chocolate bar can be obtained by using formulations containing 44-54% dark-, medium- or light-roasted peanuts, 1-4% cocoa powder and 41-55% sugar.

A reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for identification and quantification of trans-resveratrol from peanut extracts, using phenolphthalein as internal standard, was developed. The HPLC system consisted of a C18 column (250 l × 4.6 i.d. mm, 5 μm particle size), with PDA detection at 307 nm and mobile phase consisting of 0.1% acetic acid in water and 100% acetonitrile. Gradient elution increased acetonitrile linearly from 5% to 41.8% over 23 min (GS = 1.6) followed by an increase of acetonitrile to 77% over 5 min (GS = 7.04), returning to initial conditions over 1 min and held for an additional 5 min with a flow rate of 1.5 ml/min. A lower column temperature resulted in higher peak heights and better baseline separation, therefore 25 °C was selected over 40 or 60 °C to simplify the method. Accuracy, precision, linearity, limit of detection and limit of quantitation were consistent or better than reported previously in the literature for related studies.

Sensory characteristics and consumer acceptance of electron-beam irradiated commercial samples of ready-to-eat meats (frankfurters and diced chicken) were evaluated. Samples were removed from their original packaging, repackaged in irradiation-approved packaging, vacuum-sealed, irradiated by electron-beam at 1, 2 and 3 kGy and stored at 4C for up to 32 days. Nonirradiated controls were held under similar conditions. A consumer panel (n = 50) evaluated the effects of irradiation on the samples throughout the expected shelf life of 32 days after irradiation. Overall acceptance, acceptance of flavor, juiciness, tenderness and mouthfeel of the nonirradiated diced chicken and frankfurters were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than most irradiated samples at day 18 and day 32 after irradiation, respectively. Although the quality of the irradiated samples decreased with increasing storage time, consumers perceived that the irradiated frankfurters and diced chicken maintained their acceptability for up to 32 and 18 days, respectively, after irradiation.

Roasted peanuts were stored at 20 treatment combinations of water activities (0.33, 0.44, 0.54, 0.67, 0.75) and temperatures (23, 30, 35, 40C), and evaluated after storing for 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 110% of estimated shelf life, ranging from 0 to 91 days. Regression models indicated that increasing storage time and storage water activity resulted in decreasing crispness, crunchiness, hardness, roasted peanutty, sweet aromatic, salty, bitter and sweet attributes and increasing fracturability, chewiness, tooth packing and cardboard flavor. Storage temperature did not contribute to regression models of textural properties of roasted peanuts. Increasing storage temperature resulted in a faster rate of decrease for roasted peanutty and faster rate of increase of cardboard flavor. Roasted peanuts stored between 0.33 and 0.41 a w at 23C are predicted to have the least change in sensory properties after 68 and 91 days respectively.

Response surface methodology was used to optimize formulations of chocolate peanut spread. Thirty-six formulations with varying levels of peanut (25-90%), chocolate (5-70%) and sugar (5-55%) were processed using a three-component constrained simplex lattice design. The processing variable, roast (light, medium, dark) was also included in the design. Response variables, measured with consumers (n = 60) participating in the test, were spreadability, overall acceptability, appearance, color, flavor, sweetness and texture/mouthfeel, using a 9-point hedonic scale. Regression analysis was performed and models were built for each significant (p < 0.01) response variable. Contour plots for each attribute, at each level of roast, were generated and superimposed to determine areas of overlap. Optimum formulations (consumer acceptance rating of ≥ 6.0 for all attributes) for chocolate peanut spread were all combinations of 29-65% peanut, 9-41% chocolate, and 17-36% sugar, adding up to 100%, at a medium roast. Verification of two formulations indicated no difference between predicted and observed values.

A manual sorting procedure was developed to eliminate aflatoxin contamination from peanuts. The efficiency of the sorting process in eliminating aflatoxin-contaminated kernels from lots of raw peanuts was verified. The blanching of 20 kg of peanuts at 140 degrees C for 25 min in preheated roasters facilitated the manual sorting of aflatoxin-contaminated kernels after deskinning. The manual sorting of raw materials with initially high aflatoxin contents (300 ppb) resulted in aflatoxin-free peanuts (i.e., peanuts in which no aflatoxin was detected). Verification procedures showed that the sorted sound peanuts contained no aflatoxin or contained low levels (

A demand for snack foods has emerged as market-oriented reforms and privatization progresses in Bulgaria. Information is needed about consumer preferences to compete in the emerging market. This study identified socioeconomic and demographic characteristics influencing the consumption of peanut tahina, a unique product made of ground peanuts. An ordered probit model with sample selection showed that household income, education, age, and location significantly effected the decision to consume the product, but not the consumption intensity.

Summary White fonio (Digitaria exilis) and California blackeye cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) flours were used in sugar cookie preparation. Formulations were: (1) 100% wheat, (2) 50% wheat/50% fonio, (3) 50% wheat/50% cowpea, (4) 33% wheat/33% fonio/33% cowpea, (5) 25% wheat/75% fonio, (6) 25% wheat/50% fonio/25% cowpea, (7) 75% fonio/25% cowpea and (8) 50% fonio/50% cowpea. The 100% wheat cookies had the greatest spread ratio (5.86) and the 75% wheat/25% cowpea the least (4.39). The 50% fonio/50% cowpea cookies required the most force (720.3 N) to shear and the 50% wheat/50% fonio the least (399.4 N). The 100% wheat and the 50% wheat/50% cowpea cookies had the lightest colour and the 25% wheat/75% fonio the darkest. Sensory panel assessments of appearance, colour and texture were not affected by component flours. Cookies containing 100% wheat or 50% wheat /50% fonio received the highest hedonic ratings for flavour (7.1 and 6.7, respectively) and overall acceptability (6.9 and 6.5, respectively). All other formulations were unacceptable.

Transition to a market-oriented economy in Bulgaria has been characterized by declining real incomes and changes in dietary patterns. Nutritional status of the low-income segment of the population has become an important issue. The unemployed and pensioners represent two of the most vulnerable groups because of a substantial reduction in social welfare expenditure. Nationwide food intake survey data collected in 1997 allowed examination of how food intake patterns of the unemployed and pensioners differed from patterns of the employed. Income and sociodemographic profiles, including age, education, gender and geographic region were responsible for differences in food intake patterns.