The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties of avocado pulp of four different varieties (Avocado, Guatemala, Dickinson, and Butter pear) and to identify which has the greatest potential for oil extraction. Fresh avocado pulp was characterized by moisture, protein, fat, ash, carbohydrates and energy contents were determined. The carotenoids and chlorophyll contents were determined by the organic solvent extraction method. The results showed significant differences in the composition of the fruit when varieties are compared. However, the striking feature in all varieties is high lipid content; Avocado and Dickinson are the most suitable varieties for oil extraction, taking into account moisture content and the levels of lipids in the pulp. Moreover, it could be said that the variety Dickinson is the most affected by the parameters evaluated in terms of overall quality. Chlorophyll and carotenoids, fat-soluble pigments, showed a negative correlation with respect to lipids since it could be related to its function in the fruit. The varieties Avocado and Dickinson are an alternative to oil extraction having great commercial potential to be exploited thus avoiding waste and increasing farmers’ income.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological, physiological and qualitative changes in fresh cut yam (Dioscorea alata) stored at different temperatures. The experimental design was completely randomized in factorial scheme 4x4, with four storage temperatures (5, 10, 15 and 20ºC) and four evaluation periods (0, 3, 6 and 9 days after processing) with four replications. The microbiological analyzes were performed at 0, 3 and 9 days after processing. Fresh cut yam stored at 5ºC kept respiration rate, ethylene production at low levels similar to those found in yam not processed and stored at 20ºC. The weight loss, lightness and psicotrophic bacteria counting in fresh cut yam stored at 5ºC were kept within the trading patterns until the third day.

The aim of this paper was to describe the organic production system in the national and international scenarios. The analysis focused on organic food market, food consumption, characteristics of farmers, nutritional value, and sensorial aspects of organic and conventional food. Regarding organic food cultivation areas, Oceania holds the largest percentage (35%) of the world's area. Brazil exports almost the total amount of its national production mainly to the North American and European markets. Organic agriculture is characterized by engaging a large number of small and medium producers. Health, as well as food and nutritional security, are two common reasons strongly related to organic food consumption. Based on this study, it is possible to conclude that organic production is expanding, and countries like Brazil show a prominent worldwide position regarding planted area, contributing to food security since organic food is identified as healthier food.

Resumo:No bioma brasileiro, encontra-se uma grande diversidade de plantas frutíferas nativas com potencial para o aproveitamento agroindustrial, entre as espécies encontradas, os frutos de palmeiras Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd, popularmente conhecida por macaúba. Este estudo objetivou caracterizar a biometria do fruto in natura de macaúba, a qualidade físico-química e rendimento da polpa, visando avaliar seu potencial tecnológico e alimentício. Os frutos são esféricos, em forma de drupa globosa, os valores médios obtidos para o diâmetro externo longitudinal (DEL) e externo transversal (DET) e para massa total dos frutos, 40,7 mm, 40,8 mm e 21,13 g, respectivamente, foram superiores ao encontrado na literatura para outros frutos de palmeiras. Os resultados caracterizam a polpa de macaúba como um produto de baixa acidez, o que favorece suas características sensoriais. O teor de sólidos solúveis totais apresentou correlação com teores de açúcares e ácidos orgânicos. O valor de L* foi superior na casca em relação à polpa, o que corrobora os valores de cromaticidade. O ângulo Hue da casca caracterizou-se por uma tonalidade amarelo-avermelhada e a polpa indicou coloração amarela. A polpa apresentou alto rendimento, destacando-se quanto ao aproveitamento tecnológico como matéria prima para a agroindústria de alimentos. Palavras-chave:Macaúba, caracterização biométrica, qualidade físico-química.Technological and nutritional potential of macaúba fruit Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd: In Brazilian biome, there is a great diversity of native fruiting plants with potential for agro-industrial purposes. Among the species found, it is highlighted the palm fruits Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd, popularly known as macaúba. This study aimed to characterize the biometry of fresh macaúba fruit, the physicalchemical quality and pulp yield, to assess the nutritional and technological potential. The fruits are spherical drupes, the average values obtained for the longitudinal external diameter (DEL) and external transverse (DET) and total mass of fruit, 40.7 mm, 40.8 mm and 21.13 g , respectively, were higher than found in the literature for other fruit of palm trees. These results characterize the macaúba pulp as a product of low acidity, thus favoring sensorial characteristics. The content of soluble solids was correlated with sugars and organic acids levels. The L * value was higher in peel when compared with pulp, accordingly with chromaticity values. Hue peel angle was characterized by a yellow-reddish color and the pulp indicated a yellow coloring. The pulp showed high yield, especially regarding the technology use as raw material for agro-food industry.

Household availability of organic food in Brazil The search for food from sustainable production systems, for example, the organic methods of production, is a trend which rises worldwide. Changes in dietary habits had been observed, showing the complexity of consumption patterns and their corresponding determinant factors. Thus, the aim of this study was to report the household availability of organic food in Brazil. This work was based on information available on Family Budget Research (POF 2008-2009), carried out by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) about food acquisition for household consumption. The results showed distinct behavior regarding organic food acquisition between Brazilians, which are discriminated accordingly with different regions and household situation (rural or urban). The household availability values (mean) was higher between families located in rural regions, remarkably between South and Middle-West regions. It can be observed a relationship between socio-cultural conditions which allows the perspectives related to income, with systematic rising trend of organic food, when income growth occurs. Also, the results suggested that as lower the numbers of dwellers, independent of region, the household availability of organic foods are increased. Regarding the dietary groups, more emphasis was given about the major contribution of dairy group, mainly within family household in rural areas. Data related to per capita availability of energy and contribution of macronutrients and micronutrients derived from organic food on Total Energy Value showed reduced contribution for totality of the Brazilian regions. About the family socio-demographic features, it was observed an increasing income promoted by a rising availability in households which are headed by women. The major consumption propensity was verified between elderly individuals (60 years old or more) and with incomplete higher education. In addition, it was found the reduced average amount available for totality of Brazilian families.