PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL CHANGES IN GUAVA PULP DURING STORAGE

Abstract

Brazil stands out as a country with favorable conditions for fruit cultivation, where guava has been gaining prominence, as it is one of the most appreciated fruits, due to its flavor, aroma and high nutritional value, being consumed both in natura and processed in the form of pulps, juices, sweets and preserves. One way of storing the fruit for use throughout the year, especially in the off-season, is by transforming it into pulp. The pulp can be stored in different ways, such as in drums or by freezing. This study aimed to evaluate the physical-chemical characteristics such as pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity and color for fresh guava pulp and pulp stored in 200 kg drums, at intervals of 30, 60 and 90 days of storage, with four replicates being evaluated for each time. Microbiological analyses were also performed in accordance with specific legislation, to verify the concentration of molds and yeasts, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. The data obtained for the physical-chemical parameters were analyzed by linear regression using the Sisvar software and compared with the parameter established in the legislation for the commercialized pulp, evaluating possible differences in its characteristics according to the storage time and determining the time at which this difference was significant. The physical-chemical results demonstrated that the guava pulp becomes slightly more acidic with increasing storage time, in addition to presenting higher levels of soluble solids in the ideal harvest period, between March and April. In addition, the guava pulp presents a significant variation in color with storage time. The microbiological results ensured the quality of the storage method, since no sample presented contamination levels above those established by legislation. Thus, storage was carried out in 200 kg drums, at room temperature in the yard designated for this purpose, being a safe and effective method for producers and companies to store guava pulp.