Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional characteristics, bioactive compounds and microbiological quality during the processing and frozen storage of cashew pulps. Cashew pulps from 4 batches and 3 different sequential stages of industrial processing and storage (after pulping, after pulp thawing that was stored for 3 months in a drum, and 90 days after packaging in bugs and frozen storage at –20 °C) were obtained and submitted to the following analyses: pH, total soluble solids (TSS), color (L*, c* and H°), acidity, ascorbic acid, glucose reducing sugars, total phenols, antioxidant potential by reducing DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and microbiological parameters (Fungi, psychrotrophic bacteria and coliforms). There was interaction between batches and processing steps for all evaluated parameters, except phenols in acetone extract. The acidity of all batches verified was below of the minimum value recommended by current legislation. Sugars, acidity, ascorbic acid and color were negatively affected during processing. The phenolic compounds presented slight modifications, with a slight increase between the first two stages. Although the antioxidant potential presented variations, there was no single response profile for all batches. High microbial counts were observed after pulping, however there were considerable reductions throughout the processing/storage.
Keywords:
Anacardium occidentale L.; storage; conservation; bioactive compounds