Establishing a case for improved food phenolic analysis

Future phenolic research findings using a multidisciplinary approach will ensure profitability and sustainability of specialty crop industries, while also improving the nutritional and economic choices available to increasingly health‐ and environmentally conscious consumers. Recent examples of phenolics used in commercial and research scenarios, and new phenolic research discoveries are discussed. Despite being a heavily researched topic, there remains a need to identify, develop, and define analyses targeted for specific quality‐related plant metabolites. A multidisciplinary research approach will enhance profitability and sustainability of U.S. specialty crop industries, while improving the nutritional and economic choices available to increasingly health‐ and environmentally conscious U.S. consumers. Recent cases highlighting the significant roles phenolics had in commercial and research scenarios are examined.