Factors affecting the preferences for vegetables and fruits

Abstract

The preferences for some vegetables and fruits, and the factors affecting their preferences were investigated among the university students. The cucumbers, tomatoes and radishes were mostly preferred vegetables, and salads and juices - mostly favoured ways of their consumption. Among fruits the peaches, cherries, strawberries and grapes, i.e. soft fruits of the sweet taste, were mostly chosen. The main factors influencing the preferences were freshness and taste for both groups of products, and appearance for fruits. For both vegetables and fruits the advertising and fashion were the least significant factors of food choice. The influence of sex on the rankings of vegetables and fruits, and on their choice factors was insignificant. Certain vegetables (endive, aubergine, pattypan squash, broccoli) and fruits (avocado, mango, grenades) were unknown for important fraction of students.