Strawberry (Fragaria xananassa Duch.) taste tests are popular activities that have enlisted public participation in educational activities that promote agricultural awareness in Bradford County. Although the roughly 15 to 18 acres of production pale in comparison to strawberry production in central Florida, the few local producers benefit greatly by direct marketing their crop at an average value of $12 per flat. Six strawberry taste tests were organized during the 2007,2008, and 2009 Bradford Countyfairs and festivals to determine 1) pre-taste-test variety familiarity, and 2) consumer preferences for 'Camino Real', 'Camarosa', 'Festival', 'Sweet Charlie', and #116 varieties. Using a 0 to 9, low to high preference scale: mean ranges were 5.6 to 6.7(for color), 5.1 to 6.3 (for flavor), 5.1 to 6.8 (for firmness), and 4.4 to 7.2 (for overall score) between all varieties. Surprisingly only 4% of the consumer panelists were able to name a strawberry variety prior to testing. Using the strawberry tastetests provided educational opportunities to discuss strawberry production and handling practices during a fun, teachable experience.
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