Comparative consumer and physicochemical analysis of Del Monte Hawaii Gold and Smooth Cayenne pineapple cultivars

Del Monte Hawai'i Gold (Del Monte Fresh Produce [Hawai'i], Inc., Honolulu, HI), an experimental hybrid clone of Smooth Cayenne pineapple, was found to have significantly higher (P < 0.0001) pH, degrees Brix/acid ratio, yellow color total carotenoid content and vitamin C than Smooth Cayenne, while the titratable acidity of Smooth Cayenne was significantly higher (P < 0.0001). Hawai'i consumers also significantly liked and preferred Del Monte Hawai'i Gold more than Smooth Cayenne pineapples when presented in three different forms: whole, unpeeled pineapple, pineapple spears and single-strength juice. Results suggest that Del Monte Hawai'i Gold can surpass Smooth Cayenne as the market standard for fresh pineapples and for single-strength pineapple juice.