Perfil econômico e análise da qualidade do fruto e polpa de açaí (euterpe precatoria mart.) comercializados em Manaus, Amazonas

Abstract

Açaí has been undergoing structural changes in production and marketing system as well as in the consumption pattern. Therefore, it is necessary to seek for quality standardization that can meet market specifications and requirements while ensuring the supply and public health of final consumers. This study aimed to analyze the açaí fruit economic profile using secondary data as well as the microbiological and physiochemical quality of 10 samples of fresh fruit pulps marketed in Manaus, Amazonas. According with secondary data analyzed, total amount produced (1,621,034 tons in 2019) and production value (R$ 3,615,468.00 in 2019) have been growing steadily with upward trend in the last years, pushing prices to rise as well. Cultivated açaí has been consolidated as the major productive system in Amazonas, with 60.7% of total state production. Origin of fruits have also been changing more recently, with Amazonas remaining in second position with 111,612 tons and R$ 195,924.00 worth production in 2019, sharing 20.9% of Brazilian extractive açaí production. Also, according with the microbiological results achieved, only 2 samples agreed with microbiological standards required by Brazilian legislation. Total coliforms values ranged from <3,0 to >1.100 MNP.mL-1. For Escherichia coli analysis, results ranged from <3,0 to >1.100 MPN.mL-1. For moulds and yeasts, the samples result of 7 pulps varied from 5,44 to 95,27 CFU.mL-1 and other 3 were uncountable. Salmonella sp. was absent in all samples. The physiochemical results achieved emphasized açaí as a great source of energy, but still with only samples 6 (29.72%), 7 (37.72%) and 8 (22.91%) agreeing with standards. Protein amount was meaningly low and varied from (0.35 to 1.30%). Only 1 sample was classified as type A açaí (above 14%), 5 as type B (11 to 14%) and 4 as type C (8 to 11%), depending on percentage of total solids. pH was in accordance with standards required by Brazilian legislation.