Consumer Attitudes and Acceptability toward Edible New Zealand Native Plants

Damir D. Torrico (), Xin Nie, Damselina Lukito, Santanu Deb-Choudhury, Scott C. Hutchings and Carolina E. Realini
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Damir D. Torrico: Department of Wine, Food and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand
Xin Nie: Department of Wine, Food and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand
Damselina Lukito: Department of Wine, Food and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand
Santanu Deb-Choudhury: AgResearch Limited, Smart Foods & Bioproducts, AgResearch Lincoln, Private Bag 4749, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
Scott C. Hutchings: AgResearch Limited, Te Ohu Rangahau Kai, Massey University Campus, Grasslands, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand
Carolina E. Realini: AgResearch Limited, Te Ohu Rangahau Kai, Massey University Campus, Grasslands, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 15, 1-16

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate consumers’ perceptions, emotions, and acceptability of selected edible New Zealand native plants. A survey-type methodology was employed, recruiting participants voluntarily through email invitations. A total of N = 100 participants, ranging in age from 18 to 70 and with diverse ethnic backgrounds, were asked to answer questions regarding six specific edible New Zealand species and edible native plants in general. Results showed that participants had varying levels of familiarity with the specific plants, with a majority feeling “calm”, “happy”, and “interested” when presented with them. Factors deemed most important when thinking about the six selected plants included edibility and safety. When considering native plants in general, participants rated factors such as general nutrition, safety, and sustainability as important. The study found that a significant proportion of participants expressed a positive intention to consume native plants in the future, but the levels of interest varied depending on the demographic distribution. The study provides insights into consumer attitudes toward edible native plants and highlights the potential for these food ingredients to be included in mainstream diets.

Keywords: native plants; consumer perceptions; familiarity; emotions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:15:p:11592-:d:1203788

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