Parameters of quality of frozen fruit

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the microbiological, physical and chemical qualities of frozen fruit pulp of different flavors and brands, marketed in the city of Cuiabá - MT. The experiment was conducted in DIC, arranged by a 3 x 2 factorial scheme, using samples from three brands (X, Y and Z) and from two sample collecting periods (June/2014 and October/2014) and in triplicate. The following analyses were performed: coliforms at 35 oC and 45 45 oC, Salmonella, yeasts and molds, color (L*a*b*), pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, ratio and vitamin C. All of the analyzed frozen fruit pulp samples, regardless of the flavor, the brand and the sampling period, none of them showed coliforms at 35 oC and 45 oC, and no Salmonella either; and low counts of filamentous fungi and yeasts were found. Variations on the color (L*a*b*), pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, ratio and vitamin C values were found among the brands and sampling periods of all of the analyzed fruit pulps samples. Some samples showed values which did not follow the limits prescribed by the NI nº 1 of 7 January 2000 of the MAPA, indicating unsatisfactory identity and quality standards.