Pereskia aculeata is a Cactaceae plant with valuable nutritional properties, including terrific amounts of protein, minerals, vitamins, and fiber. However, P. aculeata is reported to contain antinutrients and alkaloids in its leaves. In addition, in a study on growth and development, Wistar rats fed with P. aculeata and casein as protein source grew less than the control group (fed with casein only). Therefore, in this study, we evaluated, for the first time, the oral acute toxicity of P. aculeata in rats and also the cytotoxicity behavior of the plant on lettuce seeds. The acute toxicity research was carried out using dried P. aculeata ethanolic extract, in three different doses, administered by gavage to 24 female Wistar rats. The rats were then examined for signs of toxicity, food intake, body weight, and fecal excretion fluctuations, as well as histopathological alterations, using eight different body tissues. The acute toxicity study did not show any difference among the groups in either clinical evaluation or histopathological analyses. For the cytotoxicity study, dried P. aculeata ethanolic extract was applied on lettuce seeds in five different concentrations. These seeds were evaluated for germination, root and shoot length, and mitotic index. The results show that P. aculeata extract affects lettuce root and shoot growth, but not germination or mitotic index. In conclusion, the acute toxicity on rats and the cytogenotoxicity on lettuce of P. aculeata are neglectable, validating the potential of this plant to be used as a functional food.

Pereskia aculeata, known as ora-pro-nobis in Brazil, is native from tropical dry forests. This Cactaceae plant possesses succulent and edible leaves, which contain high amounts of protein, minerals, vitamins and fiber. Nutritional properties and ability to grow under limited water supply of ora-pro-nobis are known, but little information is available about the growth behavior and nutritional composition of this plant when cultivated under temperate humid climate. Therefore, we evaluated the phenology of the plant, including observation of new leaves, flowering, fruiting and relating it with the climate changes. Also, we analyzed some physicochemical characteristics (humidity, leaf area, height, protein, color, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity) of ora-pro-nobis cultivated in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We observed that ora-pro-nobis developed normally, but with a quiescent state in the winter, without producing leaves. Flowering of the plant started in March and the fructification started one month later. All physicochemical characteristics varied through the period of cultivation. Our findings support that cultivation of ora-pro-nobis for production of leaves is feasible under temperate and humid climate.

This study aimed to identify consumers’ preferences and impressions of minimally processed “Gala” cultivar apples, using preference tests and word associations. The study was conducted online via the Google Docs tool and sent out via social networks. The participants were 607 individuals, mostly women, mainly between the ages of 18 and 45, with education up to undergraduate and postgraduate level. As regards the preference for minimally processed apples, the profile of the consumer did not influence the choice. The profiles analyzed were gender and education. For the word association test, 11‐word categories were formed, and among these, the most important aspect was appearance, followed by taste and texture, which was confirmed by correspondence analysis. Sample A (0 days—no storage) was the most preferred one, differing significantly from the other samples, whereas sample B (3 days of storage) and sample C (6 days of storage) were associated with characteristics for choice of product. The word association methodology revealed the consumer's impressions of the product, in addition to demonstrating simplicity, low cost, speed, and an exploratory character. Practical Application Gender and level of schooling did not influence the choice of minimally processed apples. Appearance was the most cited word in the word association test. Word association is a simple, fast, inexpensive, and projective technique.

Aims:The aim of this article was to study the suitable storage duration and temperature of Nadorcott mandarin. Study Design: The experimental design used was the completely randomized design, with two factors: two storage temperatures and four storage durations, with four repetitions for each period, and each repetition counting with 15 fruits. Place and Duration of Study: The mandarin cv. Nadorcott used were from Rosário do Sul city, Rio Grande do Sul (RS) State, Brazil. Fruits were harvested in commercial maturation, and transported to the Food and Postharvest Laboratory, Embrapa Temperate Climate, Pelotas-RS. Methodology: Mandarins were stored during 15, 30, 45, and 60 days at refrigerated temperatures of 4°C and 8°C, with two days at 20°C in order to simulate market conditions. The parameters