This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, identify the bioactive compounds and measure the antioxidant activity present in blackberry, red raspberry, strawberry, sweet cherry and blueberry fruits produced in the subtropical areas of Brazil and to verify that the chemical properties of these fruit are similar when compared to the temperate production zones. Compared with berries and cherries grown in temperate climates, the centesimal composition and physical chemical characteristics found in the Brazilian berries and cherries are in agreement with data from the literature. For the mineral composition, the analyzed fruits presented lower concentrations of P, K, Ca, Mg and Zn and higher levels of Fe. The values found for the bioactive compounds generally fit the ranges reported in the literature with minor differences. The greatest difference was found in relation to ascorbic acid, as all fruits analyzed showed levels well above those found in the literature.

A HPLC method for simultaneous determination of 25 phenolic compounds in grape juice was optimized, validated and applied in the characterization of juices produced in São Francisco Valley (SFV), Brazil. The performance characteristics of the method were established by assays with standard solutions of phenolic compounds, spiked and unspiked samples. Linearity, matrix effects, trueness, precision, detection and quantification limits were evaluated. Linearity was demonstrated in the concentration ranges tested for all phenolic compounds. Significant matrix effects were not identified for the studied compounds. Mean recoveries ranged from 86.18 to 106.50%, demonstrating no lack of trueness. Precision of the method was confirmed for the 25 phenolic compounds, with acceptable repeatability relative standard deviations (from 0.71 to 9.24%) and within-reproducibility relative standard deviations (from 1.34 to 9.26%) for unspiked and spiked samples. The theoretical limits of detection and quantification of the method varied from 0.001 to 0.19 μg mL −1 and 0.003 to 0.37 μg mL −1 , respectively. The results of the validation process showed that the proposed method is fitness for purpose. This method was able to identify simultaneously 25 phenolic compounds and had advantages such as low consumption of solvents and easy sample preparation. The phenolic profile of the grape juices from SFV varied according the grape cultivar. Phenolics of the anthocyanins and tannins class predominated in red grape juices, while in white grape juice phenolic acids and tannins were found at high concentrations.

Changes in amylase activity, starch and reducing and non-reducing sugars contents were monitored during ripening of mango fruits (Mangifera indica L.). The climateric raising in mango fruit is marked by an appreciable increase in the activity of amylase, reducing and non-reducing sugars contents and decrease in the starch content. The fruit affected with spongy tissue exhibited much lower amylase activity and reducing and non-reducing sugars, but exhibited much higher starch content during storage at 12 ± 2°C and 90 ± 5% RH for 28 days, when compared to healthy tissue of 'Tommy Atkins'. Whether this is caused due to adverse effects on certain enzyme activities during ripening is not clearly known. These dates showed that carbohydrate metabolism is an important feature during ripening of mango.

Frutos e hortaliças minimamente processados devem apresentar atributos de conveniência e qualidade do produto fresco. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o efeito do processamento mínimo de frutos tratados com soluções a 1% de ácido ascórbico, ácido cítrico e cloreto de cálcio, durante armazenamento refrigerado, na qualidade do kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa cv. Hayward). A perda de massa foi mínima durante o período de armazenamento. O ácido ascórbico fornecido pelo tratamento foi eficientemente absorvido pelos tecidos, mantendo os níveis de vitamina C cerca de 25% mais elevados nesses frutos do que nos demais tratamentos. A análise microbiológica detectou presença de bolores e leveduras e psicrotróficos, somente no tratamento com ácido cítrico, aos 8 e 10 dias, respectivamente. Não se detectaram coliformes totais e fecais e mesófilos, o que indica que o processamento foi realizado em boas condições higiênicas. Os kiwis minimamente processados e tratados com cloreto de cálcio apresentaram uma vida útil de dez dias. Nos demais tratamentos e no controle, esse tempo foi de seis dias.

RESUMOObjetivou-se, no presente trabalho realizar uma caracterização dos sucos de uva de cinco cultivares de videira americana Vitis labrusca (Folha de Figo, Alwood, Concord, BRS-Rúbea e Isabel) segundo suas características visuais, olfativas e gustativas, utilizando um método descritivo por um painel de degustadores da Embrapa Uva e Vinho (EMBRAPA/CNPUV) de Bento Gonçalves e da Associação Brasileira de Enologia (ABE), constituído por doze degustadores. De acordo com os resultados, os sucos das cultivares Isabel e Folha de Figo foram superiores aos demais, segundo a análise de componentes principais (ACP), principalmente pelas variáveis limpidez, equilíbrio olfativo, intensidade e corpo gustativo, persistência olfato-gustativa e julgamento geral (notas). O suco Folha de Figo foi superior ao Isabel quanto à tonalidade, sendo o primeiro caracterizado como vermelho-violáceo. A cultivar Folha de Figo é a mais utilizada na região para a produção de suco, podendo os produtores utilizarem também a cultivar Isabel, que mostrou potencial nas condições edafo-climáticas do sul de Minas Gerais. Termos para indexação:Vitis labrusca, cultivares, suco de uva, análise sensorial. ABSTRACTThe present work was designed to accomplish the characterization of the different grape juices of five grapevine cultivars of Vitis labrusca (Folha de Figo, Alwood, Concord, BRS-Rúbea e Isabel) according to their visual, smell and taste characteristics utilizing a descriptive method by a panel of tasters of Embrapa Grape and Wine (EMBRAPA/CNPUV) of Bento Gonçalves, and of the Brazilian Enology Association (ABE) consisting of 12 tasters. According to the results, the juices of the cultivars Isabel and Folha de Figo were higher than the others, analyzed statistically according to the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), mainly by the visual cleanliness variables, olfatory equilibrium, gustative body and quality, olfato-gustative persistence and general judgement (scores) and the juice of Folha de Figo was higher than Isabel according to visual shade, the former being characterized as violet-red. Folha de Figo is the most used cultivar for grape juices. Isabel would be also used, with a great potential in the environmental conditions of the south of Minas Gerais estate.