Bioactive content during the development of the acerola cv. BRS 238 (Frutacor)

Antonio Aristides Pereira Gomes Filho,João Alves Ferreira Pereira,Carlos Farley Herbster Moura,Maria Raquel Alcântara De Miranda

doi:10.33448/rsd-v10i2.12640

Abstract

The objective of this work was to determine quality, bioactive content and metabolism of vitamin C and phenolic compounds during the development of acerola BRS 238 (Frutacor). Fruits were harvested at five different stages of maturation and evaluated for physical-chemical and chemical quality characteristics, as well as for the metabolism of vitamin C and polyphenols variables. During development, there was an increase in SS/AT ratio, a decrease in chlorophyll content, increase in carotenoids content, and a decline in vitamin C and polyphenols content, alhhtough of yellow flavonoids and anthocyanins content increased. The enzyme activity of vitamin C metabolism, ascorbate oxide (AO) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) decreased with ripening, while for phenolic metabolism, the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) increased and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) decreased. It can be concluded that the fruits of aceroleira BRS 238 had a high content of bioactive compounds. For industrial extraction of bioactive compounds, fruits must be harvested at the initial stages, while for fresh consumption, they must be harvested in the final stages of development.

Highlights

Brazil is the world's largest producer, exporter and consumer of acerola as it is produced in all regions mainly on the Northeast region where it found the most favorable conditions for development
The main commercial interest of acerola comes from its high ascorbic acid or vitamin C content as varieties contain from 1,500 to 4,500 mg. 100g-1, almost 100 times the concentrations found in citrus fruits (Moreira et al, 2009; Almeida et al, 2014)
It can be concluded that acerola BRS 238 (Frutacor) has a high SS/AT ratio that gives a sweeter flavor to this fruit compared to other clones, and ripening led to decrease in vitamin C and polyphenols content due the activity of enzymes of their respective metabolism

Summary

Introduction

Brazil is the world's largest producer, exporter and consumer of acerola as it is produced in all regions mainly on the Northeast region where it found the most favorable conditions for development. In this region, Pernambuco state stands out as the largest producer (Anuário da Agricultura Brasileira [AGRIANUAL] (2019); Calgaro & Braga, 2012; Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística [IBGE] (2018); Ritzinger & Ritzinger, 2011). In addition to the considerable amount of vitamin C, acerola is good source of phenolic and carotenoid compounds, associated with fruit color besides their antioxidant defense potential (Calgaro & Braga, 2012; Mariano-Nasser et al, 2017)

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