Caracterização e conservação pós-colheita, da cagaita, ciriguela, mangaba e pitomba em condições do semiárido mineiro

Abstract

The semi-arid region of Minas Gerais has a great diversity of fruit species, especially cagaita, ciriguela, mangaba and pitomba with enormous potential for economic exploitation in the region. Since they are fruits appreciated for their pleasant peculiarities such as color, flavor and aroma, constituting rich vehicles of proteins, fibers, minerals and bioactive compounds, besides presenting several uses. However, they are underused as food for lack of information and studies on them. Based on the above, the objective was to evaluate the physical, chemical and sensory characteristics, as well as the post-harvest conservation of cagaita, ciriguela, mangaba and pitomba occurring in the conditions of the semi-arid region of Minas Gerais. The fruits were harvested from a private property located in the municipality of Japonvar and Patis-MG. The study was divided into two experiments: (i) Characterization and sensory analysis of the fruits and (ii) Conservation of the fruits using a modified atmosphere. Statistical analyzes were carried out independently between both experiments. The data from experiment (i) were obtained by means of descriptive statistical analysis, determining the means, the minimum, maximum, standard deviation and the coefficient of variation. In a complementary way, in the second experiment (ii), statistical analysis of the simple factorial type (3x6) was used, with three types of packaging; without packaging (control), vinyl chloride (PVC) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) and six storage times (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 days after storage). The results showed that mangaba, cagaita and ciriguela fruits contain high levels of vitamin C,while pitomba fruits are rich in carotenoids. A high SS / AT ratio was found in mangaba and ciriguela, despite these fruits showing good sensory acceptance. The minerals, nitrogen, potassium, sodium and iron were found in greater amounts in the fruits. High respiratory activity was observed in mangaba, cagaita and ciriguela fruits. Applying the modified atmosphere conservation technique, it was observed that the LDPE packaging was responsible for reducing the loss of mass of these fruits, allowing them to be preserved for a longer period. In addition to maintaining the attributes of post-harvest quality of the fruits,the PVC packaging was useful in maintaining the firmness of the evaluated fruits. It was concluded that the information on characterization and post-harvest conservation of the fruits, generated information to subsidize their commercialization and valorization.