Physical-chemical, microbiological and sensory characterization of jams made from umbu-caja prepared with and without the sucrose addition

Abstract

This study aimed at developing the conventional and dietary jams made from umbu-caja, and their physical-chemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics were evaluated. Umbu-caja pulp, commercial sucrose and high methoxylated pectin (HMP) were used for processing the conventional jams. For preparing the dietary jams, the sucrose and pectin HMP were replaced by aspartame and low methoxylation pectin (LMP). The formulations were concentrated in an open pan until achieving the soluble solids content of ~63 oBrix (conventional jam) and of ~12.5 °Brix (dietary formulation), and then they were poured into glass jars. The microbiological assays, the acceptance tests (color, appearance, aroma, consistency, taste, sweetness, overall impression), and the purchase intent were performed for analyzing the processed jams. The both products were within the microbiological standards established by legislation. The sucrose-containing samples presented scores ranging from 7.15 (sweetness) to 8.25 (color). The sucrose-free jams showed scores ranging from 4.93 (sweetness) to 7.08 (aroma), and in only one sensory attribute achieved a score higher than 7.0. The conventional jams showed the highest frequency of acceptance (> 80 %) and in purchase intent (> 75 %), indicating a potential for future industrialization and commercialization.