Abstract
The transition to more diversified protein sources presents legumes, such as peas, as excellent alternatives to animal protein. In light of this shift, understanding the sensory variation of pea genetic resources becomes crucial in broadening their appeal and promoting greater consumption. This study aimed to identify key factors influencing the sensory attributes of landrace peas, including variety (accession), location (geographical area of cultivation), and harvest year. Through a quantitative descriptive sensory analysis of six Swedish landrace pea accessions, cultivated over 1-2 years in three different Nordic countries, we analyzed the sensory attributes in detail and evaluated potential interactions between the pea accessions, their respective growing locations, and the varying harvest years. The results show that the sensory variation in the studied landrace pea accessions is primarily attributed to the chosen accession, despite the differences in location and harvest year. Notably, the results also reveal the potential impact of the location on the perceived sourness and umami taste of peas. These findings underscore the critical role of careful variety selection and breeding to enhance the sensory experience of peas, enabling the development of diverse pea-based products that cater to consumer preferences.