Physical, physicochemical and taxonomic characterization of Psidium araça Raddi

Ano: 2016 | Volume: 1 | Número: 1

Autores: M. R. F. Padilha, N. K. S. Shinohara, E. P. R. Ferreira, R. M. M. Pimentel, S. A. C. Andrade, F. H. Portella, A. V. S. Bernardino

Palavras-chave: Psidium araça Raddi, taxonomy of native fruits, natural ecosystems, gastronomy.

Resumo Inglês:

New research has stimulated a substantial reevaluation of species related regards to the use of fruits from native plants. Araçá (a small Brazilian guava-like fruit) is found scattered in the wild in Pernambuco/Brazil. There is a scarcity of detailed studies on such regional fruit trees, especially the Psidium araça Raddi species, whereas there is an enormous possibility to explore the potential offered by these fruits, such as in the field of gastronomy, where the search for new ingredients and exotic flavors associated with functional properties has been increasing. This article aimed to evaluate the physical, physicochemical and taxonomic characterization of araçá obtained from different agricultural regions of Pernambuco to investigate the possibility of developing new products from this native fruit. The taxonomic identification confirmed that all collected material belonged to the species P. araça Raddi. An average weight of 7.45 g/fruit was observed. On pH, values between 3.17 and 3.48 were found, and the acidity as a percentage of citric acid was on order of 0.96% to 0.99%. It was shown that the P. araça Raddi fruit has a desirable quality for the food industry, presenting excellent conditions for the development of formulations of high commercial value and promising application in the national gastronomy.