Microbiological quality and physical-chemical characteristics of the frozen pulp and blended açai

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing the microbiological and physical-chemical parameters of frozen pulp andblended açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart) from brands marketed in São Carlos, São Paulo State. The sampleskept frozen for 0, 3, 6 and 9 months were analyzed on Salmonella, total/fecal coliforms contamination, andon parameters as total lipids, pH, humidity, ash, proteins, total solids, reducing and non-reducing sugars.No Salmonella and total/fecal coliforms were found in samples from all products brands and stored atdifferent period of months, being in compliance with Brazilian legislation. On physical-chemical analyses,a significant difference among the product brands and storage times was found; but for pH, no significantdifference was found in the product storing time. All of the samples were in accordance with the hygienicstandards parameters, and the alterations verified on the physical-chemical analysis evidenced that evenunder freezing storage, the chemical reactions still continue to occur in the food.