Characteristics of the fruits of two uvaia populations grown in Salesópolis, SP, Brazil

Aline Priscilla Gomes da Silva,Severino Matias de Alencar,Tatiane de Oliveira Tokairin,Angelo Pedro Jacomino

doi:10.1590/0100-29452018511

Aline Priscilla Gomes da Silva, Severino Matias de Alencar + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/0100-29452018511

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Abstract

Abstract Uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess) is a fruit tree native to the Atlantic Forest and that features peculiar aroma and flavor. Although this fruit is highly popular locally, its commercial farming is virtually nonexistent. In addition, limited studies on this fruit have been conducted. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the physical, chemical, and functional characteristics of two uvaia fruit populations grown in Salesópolis, SP, Brazil, in order to determine their potential for being consumed both in natura and processed. Uvaia fruits were evaluated as for skin color, whole fruit weight, longitudinal and transversal diameters, seed percentage, pulp yield, pulp firmness, pH, total soluble solids (TSS), total titratable acidity (TTA), TSS/TTA ratio, total soluble sugars, soluble and total pectins, total carotenoids, yellow flavonoids, total phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, and in vitro antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ORAC assays). The total mineral content was also determined. Comparison among the two populations revealed that uvaia fruits showed significantly different firmness values, large fruits showing suitable characteristics for the fresh fruit market. However, small fruits were sweeter and richer in antioxidants, allowing the consumption of both natural and processed fruits. Thus, this native fruit denotes an important source of nutrients and bioactive compounds, especially iron.

Highlights

G. da Silva et al, Brazilian territory presents highly diverse biomes, among which the Atlantic Forest may be highlighted for covering an area of 1,315,460 km2 as well as encompassing 17 states
Uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess) is a fruit tree native to the Atlantic Forest and that belongs to the Myrtaceae family
This study aimed to characterize uvaia fruits from two populations grown in Salesópolis, SP, Brazil in relation to their physical and chemical aspects and antioxidant capacity, as well as to evaluate the potential of each fruit group for in natura and/or processed consumptions

Summary

Introduction

Uvaia fruits present pleasant aroma and flavor and are highly variable in color – which ranges from yellow to orange –, size, shape, and firmness. This study aimed to characterize uvaia fruits from two populations grown in Salesópolis, SP, Brazil in relation to their physical and chemical aspects and antioxidant capacity, as well as to evaluate the potential of each fruit group for in natura and/or processed consumptions. Two uvaia types were identified in Salesópolis, SP, Brazil, namely: large and small fruits.

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