Protected Designation of Origin in beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.): towards an objective approach based on sensory and agromorphological properties

• Autores: Roser Romero del Castillo, Antoni Almirall, Jordi Valero, Francesc Casañas Artigas
• Localización: Journal of the science of food and agriculture, ISSN 0022-5142, Vol. 88, Nº 11, 2008, págs. 1954-1962
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • BACKGROUND: The concession of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) often depends more on historical criteria rather than on objective descriptions of the products to be protected. Only in a few cases (e.g., wines) are the characteristics that justify the concession of PDO starting to be scientifically documented. The present study aimed to determine whether sensory and commercial differences in beans could be used to objectively define PDOs. As a model we studied beans from two areas in Catalonia that market similar products and that are applying for PDO recognition (‘Mongetes del Ganxet Vallès-Maresme’ and ‘Fesols de Santa Pau’). RESULTS: Sensory panel studies and agronomical measurements showed that beans from the two PDO candidates can be clearly differentiated both on appearance and sensory qualities. Furthermore, some sensory differences related to soil variation were detected within the PDO ‘Mongetes del Ganxet Vallès-Maresme’, the larger and more heterogeneous of the two PDOs. This would enable commercial differentiation within the PDO according to the different gastronomical properties of the product. CONCLUSION: An objective approach based on sensory and agromorphological traits can be used to objectively delimitate PDOs in beans and better protect their markets. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry