McCarter (Slovakia)

The positive effects of fruit on human health are mainly attributed to their antioxidant activity. The aim of this work was to observe public awareness about antioxidants consumed in fruit, to analyze their preferences and the frequency of fruit consumption in selected population groups. Preferences were assessed by questionnaire, which was attended by 220 respondents. Information about the presence of antioxidants in fruit showed 85% of respondents. Temperate zone fruit is prefered by 48% of respondents and 52% of respondents prefer fruit of southern zone. Fresh fruit is consumed by 54% of respondents, 18% of respondents prefer fruit juices, compotes are consumed by 12% of respondents, fruit spreads by 11% of respondents, and 5% favour the dried fruit. Fruit is consumed by 31% of respondents once to three times a week, 26% of respondents consumed fruit once a day, 23% occasionally and 20% of respondents more times a day. In terms of sex, higher fruit consumption was recorded at women who consume fruit mostly once a day, while men only once to three times a week. The relationship between place of residence and the possibility to grow their own fruit as well as preference between home and the consumption of fruit by country of origin was confirmed.