Influence of packaging on the quality of Brazil nuts

Abstract

The Brazil nut is an important commodity that grows in the Amazon rainforest and is notable for its high nutritional value. However, the effect that packaging has on product shelf-life is unclear. This study evaluated the microbiological and nutritional quality of unshelled Brazil nuts packed in (a) nylon and polypropylene under vacuum, and (b) in polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene aluminized films. The nuts were stored for nine months under natural environmental conditions. The most probable number of total and thermotolerant coliforms and Escherichia coli, and counting of molds and yeast were determined in the unshelled nuts shortly after collection and every three months during storage. Moisture, lipids, ash, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber contents were measured by the gravimetric method. Crude protein content was measured using the Kjeldahl method. Coliform levels were within legislated standards in both types of packaging. Mold and yeast growth increased with time in both types of packaging (0.1x10¹ to 9.5x10³ colony forming units g-1), but only nuts packaged in aluminum film showed a significant increase after six months of storage. After nine months of storage, both types of packaged nuts had good nutritional quality. Aluminized packaging resulted in better conservation of the lipid fraction and lower permeability to water vapor, however, vacuum packaging was more effective in controlling fungal growth, possibly due to the lack of oxygen.

Evaluation of the quality of Amazonian butters as sustainable raw materials for applications in bioproducts

“…It is worth mentioning that the quality of these plant-based products is also related to the cultivation, harvesting, extraction methods and storage conditions of the raw plant material (Lorini et al, 2018). These parameters can influence the chemical composition of the butters.…”

Non-Timber Forest Products in Brazil: A Bibliometric and a State of the Art Review

“…As for the years of publication ( Figure 2), it was observed that the greatest peak of research related to the term non-timber forest products in Brazil, it occurred between 2010 and 2014, in which the highest number of publications was recorded (24). Some years have not registered any publication on the topic of interest in this review, being them 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, and 2000.…”

“…Among the producing and exporting countries of B. excelsa, Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia stand out [23]. In Brazil, cultivation is greater in the states of Acre, Amazonas, and Pará, in the North Region, with Mato Grosso also appearing, with less expressiveness [24]. The species has historical importance as a source of food and income, in which the almond is considered a source of protein with high nutritional value [25].…”

Elementary, Chemical and Energy Characteristics of Brazil Nuts Waste (Bertholletia excelsa) in the State of Pará

“…Brazil is considered as one of the largest agricultural producers, consequently generating large amounts of waste, which has potential for bioenergy (Vieira et al, 2012;Scatolino et al, 2018). Among these agricultural products, Brazil nuts, known as Bertholletia excelsa species, are one of the main products exported from the Amazon (Lorini et al, 2018).…”