Do Temperature Abuses Along the Frozen Açaí Pulp Value Chain Increase Microbial Hazards?

Does temperature abuse during storage, distribution, marketing, and consumption of unpasteurized frozen açaí pulp increase microbial hazards? This study investigated the behavior of potentially pathogenic (Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp.) and spoilage (mesophilic bacteria, yeasts and molds) microorganisms in two simulated thawing conditions: under refrigeration and at room temperature. The effect of repeated cold chain abuse was observed by thawing and refreezing (-20°C) açaí pulp four times over a period of 90 days. Freezing resulted in inhibition of all microorganisms except for mesophilic aerobic bacteria in one single sample. After thawing at 5°C, the kinetic parameters obtained by the Weibull model indicated that mesophilic aerobic bacteria, yeasts and molds and L. monocytogenes showed a longer inactivation time with δ values reaching 35, 126, and 46 days, respectively. The shortest inactivation time for a reduction of 4 log CFU.g-1 was for E. coli. The concentration of Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes in control samples was higher (p < 0.01) than in samples exposed to abusive conditions after 90 days of storage. The results indicate that the abusive thawing conditions studied do not increase the potential hazards of pathogens.

Bioproducts from Passiflora cincinnata Seeds: The Brazilian Caatinga Passion Fruit.

The present work aimed to obtain bioproducts from Passiflora cincinnata seeds, the Brazilian Caatinga passion fruit, as well as to determine their physical, chemical and biological properties. The seeds were pressed in a continuous press to obtain the oil, which showed an oxidative stability of 5.37 h and a fatty profile rich in linoleic acid. The defatted seeds were evaluated for the recovery of antioxidant compounds by a central rotation experimental design, varying temperature (32-74 °C), ethanol (13-97%) and solid-liquid ratio (1:10-1:60 m/v). The best operational condition (74 °C, 58% ethanol, 1:48) yielded an extract composed mainly of lignans, which showed antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The microencapsulation of linoleic acid-rich oil through spray drying has proven to be an effective method for protecting the oil. Furthermore, the addition of the antioxidant extract to the formulation increased the oxidative stability of the product to 30% (6.97 h), compared to microencapsulated oil without the addition of the antioxidant extract (5.27 h). The microparticles also exhibited favorable technological characteristics, such as low hygroscopicity and high water solubility. Thus, it was possible to obtain three bioproducts from the Brazilian Caatinga passion fruit seeds: the oil rich in linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid), antioxidant extract from the defatted seeds and the oil microparticles added from the antioxidant extract.

In vitro gastrointestinal evaluation of a juçara-based smoothie: effect of processing on phenolic compounds bioaccessibility.

In the present work, the bioaccessibility of the main phenolic compounds of a juçara, banana and strawberry homogenized smoothie (control), subjected to pasteurization and sonication, was evaluated. The smoothie was also evaluated in terms of its main chemical and physical characteristics. Pasteurized smoothie showed higher apparent viscosity, as well as higher initial shear stress when compared to the control and sonicated samples. The increase in the apparent viscosity of the pasteurized smoothie was associated with the smaller particle size of this sample (68 µm). These characteristics conferred to the pasteurized smoothie higher physical stability than the control and sonicated smoothies. Phenolic compounds bioaccessibility was higher in the pasteurized and sonicated smoothies than in the control sample, which confirmed the positive effect of the treatments for the preservation of these compounds after gastrointestinal digestion. Compared to the sonication process, the pasteurization provided higher total phenolic compounds bioaccessibility (47%), as well as of ferulic (16%) and ellagic (80%) acids. Antioxidant capacity was higher in gastric digest for all the samples evaluated by ABTS assay. These results confirm the importance of processing on the physical stability and phenolic compounds bioaccessibility of the juçara-based smoothie, standing out the thermally treated product.

Effect of sonication on the quality attributes of juçara, banana and strawberry smoothie.

Effect of sonication on the quality parameters of juçara, banana and strawberry smoothie was evaluated using a rotational central composite design with power (73.5-250.0 W) and time (7-36 min) as independent variables. The sonicated smoothie was evaluated regarding anthocyanins, instrumental color and rheological and physicochemical parameters. Within the evaluated processing conditions, 86% of anthocyanins were retained. The pH and acidity of the smoothie wasn't affected by the independent variables. Regarding instrumental color parameters, only luminosity was affected by the operational conditions. The cavitation phenomenon decreased the apparent viscosity of the smoothie. The sonicated smoothie presented non-Newtonian behavior, with characteristics of a pseudoplastic fluid (n < 1) in all treatments and control. Taking into account that the highest anthocyanin retention was observed at 147 W for 2 min, this condition was the most recommended for the processing of the product.

Development of a fruit smoothie with solid albumen of green coconut / Desenvolvimento de um smoothie de frutas contendo albúmen sólido do coco verde

ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to develop a mixed smoothie drink using the solid albumen of the green coconut in its composition. Smoothie formulations were prepared following an experimental design, setting the solid albumen concentration at 20% and varying the contents of the acerola (Barbados Cherry), pineapple, and coconut water pulps, which corresponded to 80% of the total mass of the product. Response parameters evaluated were vitamin C content, antioxidant capacity, and overall sensory acceptance. Ten formulations were evaluated. The ones that contained higher concentrations of acerola pulp had higher values ​​of bioactive compounds but were not the most sensorially accepted. By means of the desirability function, a final formulation consisted of 52.8% of pineapple, 27.2% of acerola, and 20.0% of solid albumen of green coconut. This new formulation was well accepted, with a grade (score) 7 ("good"). It represents a good nutritional contribution and a source of vitamin C which can contribute to add value to a co-product of the beverage industry.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver uma bebida mista do tipo smoothie utilizando o albúmen sólido do coco verde na sua composição. As formulações do smoothie foram elaboradas seguindo um planejamento experimental, fixando-se a concentração do albúmen sólido em 20% e variando-se os teores das polpas de acerola, abacaxi e água de coco, que totalizaram 80% da massa total do produto. Os parâmetros de resposta avaliados foram o teor de vitamina C, a capacidade antioxidante e a aceitação sensorial global. Foi observado que das dez formulações avaliadas, as que continham maiores concentrações de polpa de acerola, apresentaram valores superiores de compostos bioativos, porém não foram as mais aceitas sensorialmente. Por meio da função desejabilidade chegou-se a uma formulação final que consistiu de 52,8% de abacaxi, 27,2% de acerola e 20,0% de albúmen sólido de coco verde. Esta nova formulação teve boa aceitação, com nota igual a 7 ("bom") e representa um bom aporte nutricional, sendo fonte de vitamina C, podendo contribuir para agregar valor a um coproduto da indústria de bebidas.

Nutrients and bioactive compounds of pulp, peel and seed from umbu fruit / Nutrientes e compostos bioativos de polpa, casca e semente de umbu

ABSTRACT: The objective of this research was to evaluate the nutritional composition and bioactive compounds of whole umbu fruit, including pulp, seed and peel, and also of a commercial umbu pulp. Samples of the fractions and of commercial pulp were analyzed for determination of minerals and proximate composition, total phenolic and antioxidant activity. Pulps and peel were also analyzed for vitamin C and carotenoids contents. Commercial pulp presented better nutritional composition than fresh pulp (P<0.05) and the peel presented higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity than seed. Peel also stood out by its vitamin C (79 mg.100 g-1) and total carotenoids (2,751 µg.100 g-1) contents, showing that, as the main barrier of the fruit for its protection, it is a fraction rich in bioactive compounds. The highest dietary fiber and iron contents were observed in umbu seed (P<0.05). Therefore, umbu by-products may be ingredients proper for development of food richer in nutrients and bioactive compounds.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição nutricional e compostos bioativos do umbu, incluindo polpa, semente, casca e uma polpa comercial do fruto. Amostras das frações e da polpa comercial foram analisadas para determinação da composição centesimal e mineral, compostos fenólicos totais e capacidade antioxidante. As polpas e casca também foram analisadas quanto aos teores de vitamina C e carotenoides. A polpa comercial apresentou melhor composição nutricional em comparação com a polpa fresca (P<0,05). A casca do fruto apresentou maior teor de compostos fenólicos e capacidade antioxidante que a semente. A casca também se destacou pelos seus teores de vitamina C (79 mg.100 g-1) e carotenoides totais (2.751 µg.100 g-1), mostrando que, como principal barreira do fruto para sua proteção, é uma fração rica em compostos bioativos. Os maiores teores de fibras e ferro foram observados na semente de umbu (P<0,05). Portanto, os subprodutos do despolpamento do fruto podem ser ingredientes adequados para o desenvolvimento de alimentos mais ricos em nutrientes e compostos bioativos.

Effect of Processing on Bioactive Compounds, Physicochemical and Rheological Characteristics of Juçara, Banana and Strawberry Smoothie.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of processing steps on bioactive compounds and physicochemical and rheological characteristics of a juçara, banana and strawberry smoothie. The product was obtained by mixing the pulps of these fruits in previously defined proportions. The mixture was standardized in a pilot disintegrator, homogenized at 60 MPa in continuous mode and pasteurized at 90 °C for 35 s. The homogenization step increased the concentration of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, major anthocyanins in the smoothie. However, these anthocyanins, as well as perlagonidin-3-O-glucoside, have been reduced (p<0.05) after the pasteurization step. The pasteurization also affected the instrumental color of the smoothie, expressed by Hue angle (p<0.05). Regarding to the rheological behavior, the smoothie, in all processing steps, presented a non-Newtonian fluid behavior with pseudoplastic characteristics (n<1). After homogenization, the smoothie became more fluid and homogeneous. Thus, despite the negative impact of pasteurization on the smoothie's color, the pasteurized product preserves the bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids that are of great importance to human health. Furthermore, the development of this product contributes to add value to the juçara agro-chain and Atlantic Forest preservation.

Impact assessment of an intervention on the consumption of fruits and vegetables by students and teachers / Avaliação do impacto de uma intervenção no ambiente escolar sobre o consumo de frutas e hortaliças por alunos e professores

[{"text": "OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of an intervention that promoted the consumption of fruits and vegetables on the intake of these products by students and teachers in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil. METHODS: This is a one-group pretest-posttest study of students and teachers from elementary public schools in Rio de Janeiro. The intervention included a training course for promoting healthy eating; distribution of educational materials; and holding of a one-day health fair. We assessed the activities that had been carried out, teachers' habitual fruits and vegetables intake, students' fruits and vegetables intake at school, and intervention-related issues. RESULTS: Before the intervention, 65.1% of the students consumed the school lunch and most (>79.4%) accepted and consumed the fruits and vegetables served. Most teachers (>75.0%) consumed fruits and other vegetables regularly, but only 36.4% consumed leaf vegetables regularly. The intervention was implemented only moderately (52.7%) but was well accepted by the teachers. The students of schools that implemented the intervention more extensively showed better acceptance of vegetables (p=0.009). Teachers' fruits and vegetables intake did not change. CONCLUSION: Students' fruits and vegetables intake changed modestly. This study contributes to the design of intervention studies for Brazilian schools because it coordinated the National School Food Program with educational activities. .", "_i": "en"}, {"text": "OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto de uma intervenção dirigida à promoção de frutas e hortaliças sobre o consumo desses alimentos por alunos e professores no Rio de Janeiro (RJ). MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo de intervenção do tipo antes e depois, não randomizado, com alunos e professores do primeiro ciclo do ensino fundamental de escolas públicas do Rio de Janeiro. A intervenção abarcou um curso de formação sobre promoção da alimentação saudável, distribuição de materiais educativos e realização de feira de saúde na comunidade. Foram avaliadas as atividades de promoção da alimentação saudável desenvolvidas, o consumo usual de frutas e hortaliças pelos professores e o consumo pelos alunos das frutas e hortaliças oferecidas pelo Programa de Alimentação Escolar. RESULTADOS: Foi observada adesão à alimentação escolar de 65,1% e alta proporção (>79,4%) de alunos que aceitaram e que consumiram frutas e hortaliças na escola no momento pré-intervenção. Observaram-se baixa proporção de consumo regular de verduras (36,4%) e alta de frutas e legumes (>75,0%) entre os professores. A intervenção atingiu nível intermediário de implementação (52,7%), tendo sido bem avaliada pelos professores. Foi observado aumento da aceitação de hortaliças entre alunos das escolas com melhor nível de implementação da intervenção (p=0,009). Não houve mudança no consumo de frutas e hortaliças entre professores. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados alcançados foram modestos em termos de variação do consumo de frutas e hortaliças entre os alunos. O presente estudo contribui para o desenho de estudos de intervenção no ambiente escolar ...", "_i": "pt"}]

Produção e caracterização físico-química de fermentado de umbu / Production and physicochemical characterization of fermented umbu

O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um fermentado de umbu visando a agregar valor a esse fruto e contribuir para a melhoria de renda das famílias do semiárido nordestino. A polpa utilizada nos experimentos foi submetida a análises físico-químicas e microbiológicas. Para a produção da bebida, a polpa foi diluída em água, sendo necessário realizar uma chaptalização com sacarose até atingir 20,5°Brix. A levedura vínica comercial utilizada foi Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A fermentação foi conduzida a 18°C durante 18 dias e posteriormente a bebida foi submetida a uma estabilização com auxílio de agentes de sedimentação, gelatina e bentonita, por 14 dias a 1°C. Após a estabilização, o fermentado de umbu foi filtrado em filtro prensa. O fermentado de umbu obtido apresentou teor alcoolico de 11,20°GL. A bebida foi analisada quanto às suas características físico-químicas e todos os parâmetros estavam em conformidade com a legislação vigente.

The objective of this study was to develop a fermented umbu drink aiming at adding value to this fruit and contribute for improving the families income in Brazil northeast semiarid region. The pulp used in the experiments was subjected to physico-chemical and microbiological analysis. For the production of liquor, the pulp was diluted with water, and needed a sugaring with sucrose up to 20.5°Brix. A commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae wine yeast was used. The fermentation was conducted at 18°C for 18 days and subsequently underwent a drink with the aid of stabilizing agents of sedimentation, gelatin and bentonite, for 14 days at 1°C. After stabilizing the fermented umbu drink was subjected to filtered in filter press. The fermented alcoholic umbu drink showed an alcohol contents of 11.20°GL. The drink was analyzed for their physicochemical characteristics and all parameters were in accordance with current legislation.

Chemical characterization and evaluation of antioxidant properties of açaí fruits (Euterpe oleraceae Mart.) during ripening.

Consumption of açaí fruits has been linked to positive health effects due to its phenolic content and nutritive value. The objective of this study was to characterize açaí fruits chemically and to determine the antioxidant capacity at three different maturity stages. With the exception of fat, amounts of macronutrients, minerals and titratable acids decreased during the ripening process. The same trend was observed for most of the phenolic constituents identified by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. A consistent decline was shown for flavones and hydroxycinnamic acids. The concentration of the anthocyanins increased in the course of ripening. In accordance with the total amount of the identified phenolic compounds, the antioxidant capacity, measured by TEAC and TOSC, also decreased. However, the contribution of the main phenolic compounds to the overall antioxidant capacity evaluated by TOSC was estimated to be low.

Recuperação dos componentes do aroma da bebida de cafépor pervaporação / Recovery of the aroma compounds from coffee beverage by pervaporation process

Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a pervaporação para a recuperação e concentração de compsotos do aroma da bebida de café torrado e moído. Utilizou-se café torrado e moído de marca comercial como matéria-prima e membrana de etileno-propileno-dieno na pervaporação. O perfil aromático da bebioda de café e do concentrado aromático foi caracterizado por cromatografia a gás e espectrometria de massa. O bteve-se extrato concentrado dos componentes do aroma de café, indicando que a pervaporação é capaz de concentrar o aroma da bebida de café. A membrana constituída pelo terpolímero etileno-propileno-dieno apresentou bom desempenho nesse processo.

Utilizaçäo do retentado da ultrafiltraçäo do suco de acerolqa na elaboraçäo de licor / Utilization of acerola juice ultrafiltration retentate in a liqueur elaboration

Estudou-se a preparaçäo de licor mediante maceraçäo alcoólica da fraçäo retida no processo de ultrafiltraçäo do suco de acerola, em sistema de membranas tubulares com peso molecular de corte de 30-80 kDa, área filtrante de 0,05 m2 e pressäo de 200 kPa. As características sensoriais e nutricionais do licor foram avaliadas tendo-se como referência o licor preparado a partir da polpa de acerola fresca pelo mesmo processo de fabricaçäo. Os licores foram preparados aprtindo-se de mistura 1:1 de polpa de acerola ou do retentado da ultrafiltaçäo e álcool de milho. Após 15 dias de maceraçäo adicionou-se açúcar até concentraçäo de 250 g/L e o teor alcoólico foi ajustado para 18 §GL. Os licores apresentaram teores de vitamina C semelhantes, na faixa de 0,400 g/100g, cerca de seis vezes mais que a dose diária recomendada para um adulto. As análises microbiológicas da polpa de acerola, do terentado e dos licores atenderam aos padröes estabelecidos pela legislaçäo vigente. O aroma alcoólico tornou-se mais evidenciado no licor de retentado enquanto que o aroma e o sabor frutal mostraram-se mais pronunciados no licor de polpa de acerola . A percepçäo do aroma doce também foi bastante pronunciada no licor de polpa de acerola. A pungência do licor de retentado mostrou-se menor que a do licor de polpa de acerola. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que o licor elaborado a partir do retentado da ultrafiltraçäo do suco de acerola apresenta características similares às do licor preparado com a própria polpa