Desenvolvimento de néctar tropical de pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.) a partir da polpa processada por alta pressão hidrostática: aspectos microbiológicos e sensoriais.

Abstract

Brazil is a big producer and exporter of fruits and fruit juice. The sale, in many cases, is limited to the seasonality of production and perishability of fruits. The Brazilian cherry is a tropical fruit originally from the South and Southeast regions of Brazil, with high perishability and susceptibility to physical damage during transport. Considering all the losses that the productive chain of fresh Brazilian cherry may suffer, it is evident the importance of producing the juice of this fruit. Traditionally, thermal treatment has been employed in the processing and preservation of these products; however, undesirable changes in sensory and nutritional characteristics can happen. Among the innovative technologies to reduce these undesirable changes is High Hydrostatic Pressure (APH). This method of food preservation provides additional benefits to the product allowing products closer to the fresh product. This study aimed to investigate the process of high pressure in the preservation of Brazilian cherry pulp (Eugenia uniflora L.) to assess their microbiological safety and sensory quality and nutritional nectar obtained. The study was conducted at Embrapa Food Technology (Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil). The Brazilian cherry pulp was processed by high hydrostatic pressure using different pressure levels, temperatures and retention time, following a central composite design. Microbiological analyzes were performed (for Salmonella spp., Coliforms at 45° C, mesophilic aerobic, yeasts and molds), physico-chemical (pH, acidity, soluble solids, fibers), antioxidant activity and instrumental color. It was investigated nectar microbiological shelf life obtained from the pressurized pulp. Shelf life estimation through Survival Analysis was also carried out, and the nectar exceeded 35 days of storage. Further studies are recommended. The sensory characteristics of nectars obtained from the pressurized pulp, non-pressurized pulp (Control), pasteurized Control, and three commercial brands available in the market were evaluated by consumer acceptance and through the methodology check all that apply (CATA). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, Tukey test, and Multiple Factor Analysis. The high pressure process has been effective in preserving the nectar refrigerated for up to 35 days. There was no significant negative effect on antioxidant activity and color of the samples subjected to high pressure. The results obtained in the determination of "ideal" pulp concentration and sweetness for the nectar formulation cherry were 36% and 10%, respectively. In Acceptance Test samples pressurized and commercial B had the highest scores and the terms most frequently used in the methodology check all that apply were reddish, cherry flavor, presence of particles, attractive color, acid, astringent, off-flavor, sweet, bitter, gritty look. Such terms are therefore considered the most suitable to describe the samples by consumers.