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Faced with the need for greater knowledge of the different physalis species, the aim of this study was to characterize different Native American physalis species (Physalis peruviana L., Physalis pubescens L., Physalis angulata L., Physalis mínimos L. and Physalis ixocarpa Brot) as to their physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. Besides that, in order to increase their use and add even more value to this fruit, we also evaluate the influence of these different species on the physicochemical, rheological and sensory characteristics of physalis jelly. In addition, this study evaluated the sensory acceptance of the combination of physalis jellies obtained from different species with brie-type cheese. The Peruviana, Pubences and Angulata, are highlighted for being the nutritionally richest species, with the highest levels of phenolic compounds, vitamin C and antioxidant. Moreover, they stand out for originating the most widely sensory accepted jellies, either in pure form or in combination with brie-type cheese.Keywords: Physalis L.; different species; characterization; jelly processing; harmonization. Practical Aplications: It was possible to verify which physalis are the nutritionally richest species and which species are more suitable for jelly processing.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different types of sugar (white refined sugar, white crystal sugar, demerara sugar, brown sugar and coconut sugar) on the physicochemical characteristics, rheological properties and sensory acceptance of physalis (Physalis L) jelly. In addition, we evaluated the influence of the information on the acceptability of the product. It was found that the type of sugar greatly influences the physicochemical and rheological characteristics of physalis jelly which reflects differences in the product acceptability. Due to higher sensory acceptance, white refined, white crystal and demerara sugars are the most suitable for processing jellies. It was also found that the sugar type information and its benefits has no significant influence on sensory acceptance of physalis jelly and that consumers have a preference for a clearer, less sweet, more acidic and softer jelly.

Berries are among the nutritionally richest fruits and the mixing of these fruits can originate products with peculiar characteristics and added value, since the fruit mixture allows adding nutritional and sensory value to the final product. Thus, in this study we aimed to optimize a mixed berry jelly formulation of red fruit (blackberry, blueberry, and strawberry), through the mixture design, desirability function, and response surface methodology. The fruit mixture influenced the physical–chemical, sensory, and nutritional characteristics of mixed jelly, and it was observed that the mixture of two or more fruits may increase the acceptance of the product and even its nutritional value. According to the contour curve graph for the sensory and nutritional desirability function, the ideal mixed berry jelly should contain 55% to 100% blackberry, 0% to 20% blueberry, and 0% to 40% strawberry. The exact proportion of fruit may depend on seasonality or the commercial value of the fruit. Practical Application In Brazil, there are many blackberry, blueberry, and strawberry cultivars grown in subtropical regions and high perishability hinders the fruit consumption in fresh form. In this context, through this study it was possible to verify which fruits are more suitable for processing in the form of jelly, as well as to optimize, based on sensory and nutritional characteristics, a mixed berry jelly formulation with greater attractiveness to consumers.

The aim of this study was to characterize five different hybrid cultivars pears (‘Tenra’, ‘Centenária’, ‘Cascatence’, ‘Primorosa’ and ‘Seleta’) deployed in subtropical regions of Brazil regarding its physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity, as well as to evaluate the influence of these cultivars on the characteristics physicochemical, rheological properties and sensory acceptance of the obtained jelly, for identifying varieties with higher potential for industrial use. Regardingthe bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity it was observed that ‘Seleta’ cultivar was characterized by a higher phenolic content (57.68mg GAEs 100g-1), higher antioxidant activity (13.56% of DPPH sequestration and 1.25µM of trolox g -1) and higher content of vitamin C (3.59mg 100g-1). As the acidity, it ranged from 4.09 to 5.81 g of malic acid 100g-1 (‘Tenra’ and ‘Seleta’, respectively). Regarding color, the color parameter L* varied from 32.14 to 36.83, a* ranged from 2.87 to 5.20, b* ranged from 16.57 to 20.42, Chroma ranged from 16.67 to 21.02 and °Hue ranged from 74.94 to 80.18. Regarding the texture, the jellies produced from ‘Centenária’ and ‘Tenra’ were characterized by having the highest values of hardness (1.21 and 1.23N, respectively), gumminess (0.42 and 0.45, respectively) and chewiness (0.40 and 0.45N, respectively). The jelly obtained from the ‘Centenária’ still showed the highest adhesiveness (2.27N s-1) and springiness (0.99). Already jellies prepared by ‘Cascatence’ showed the highest cohesiveness values (0.68). The jellies prepared with different pear cultivars showed good sensory acceptance for all measured properties, with average scores ranging between the hedonic terms “liked slightly” to “liked very much”. Cultivars of subtropical pear trees present different physicochemical characteristics, resulting in jellies with different physicochemical characteristics and rheological properties. Processing in the form of jelly is extremely viable due to the good acceptance by consumers of all formulations elaborated.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of microwave and microwave combined with vacuum on the nutritional and sensory characteristics of blackberry jelly, in order to verify if they are actually more viable methods of processing when compared to the traditional process in open pan. Ot was verified that the processing methods studied did not influence the sensory characteristics of the obtained jelly, however, it was observed that the microwave processing, in particular low power microwave without vacuum, promotes smaller nutritional losses in the blackberry jelly. The jellies processed in low-power microwave without vacuum stood out from the others presenting the highest antioxidant activity by DPPH (2095.19 g f.w./g of DPPH) and ABTS method (21.81 μM trolox/g), the highest total phenolic content (504.58 mg GAE/100 g) and one of the highest ascorbic acid content (33.72 mg ascorbic acid/100 g). The jelly processed in high-power microwave without vacuum, stood out to have the highest antioxidant activity by the beta-carotene method (84.20% protection). On relation to the anthocyanins content, the jellies processed by vacuum microwave (low and high power) were highlighted because they presented the highest levels (16.25 and 15.03 mg of cyanidin equivalent 3 glucoside/100g, respectively).

Phenolic compounds are natural antioxidants and can be found with abundance in fruits and vegetables. One of the first methods created for analyzing phenolic compounds was the Folin-Denis method; and hereafter, the Folin Ciocalteu method was developed and recently, one of the most recent method is the Fast Blue. Due to the importance of these compounds in food, this work aimed to determine the total phenolic compounds in three fruits, such as: Passion Fruit, “Palmer” mango and “Pera” orange. In addition, these fruits were analyzed through three different determination methods. Furthermore, the content of vitamin C, soluble solids, titratable acidity and pH of these fruits were evaluated. Based on the results, it was verified that there was no difference among the values of vitamin C, soluble solids and TA in relation to those found in the literature. When comparing the three methods (Fast Blue BB, Folin-Ciocalteu Reagent and Folin-Denis Reagent), the results showed a difference in the phenolic compounds that may be related to the distinct reagents used in each method and its different action.

Consumers preference for healthier foods is increasing, especially regarding sugar intake as it is related to many diseases such as obesity and diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different types of sugar (white crystal, icing, raw, brown, and coconut) on the physical, physicochemical, and sensory attributes of guava jam in order to evaluate the feasibility of replacing traditional sugars by alternative and more nutritious ones. Physicochemical attributes, rheological properties, texture profile, microbiological risk and sensory acceptance of guava jams were assessed. Coconut and brown sugars gave rise to darker jams with an intense reddish-brown coloration and higher hardness. The jams with higher sensorial quality were the traditional formulations produced with typical sugars - white crystal and icing sugars -, and with raw sugar. It was observed that the sugar used influenced the consumers perception of the product. In general, the most nutritious sugars, brown and coconut, did not produce to jams with good sensory acceptance. White crystal, icing, and raw sugars were more convenient to make the jams since it presented better sensory results.  Clear appearance, less sweetness, more acidic, and softer jams are the features that most pleased the consumers.