Qualidade e atividade antioxidante total em pedúnculos de clones de cajueiros anão precoce em diferentes estádios de maturação

Abstract

Rich sources of antioxidants are important for the maintenance of human health, and in recent years, increasing attention has been given to the antioxidants found in fruits, this is due to epidemiological studies that have shown that high intake of fruit is associated with reduced mortality due to vascular diseases and cancers, as justified by the antioxidant activity in these products. This work aimed at to physical characterization, quality and total antioxidant activity of four early dwarf cashew clones: CCP 09, CCP 76, BRS 189 and BRS 265 were harvest from the Experimental Farm of Pacajus-CE, selecting among these clones that presenting the best results when analysed in seven different stages of maturation. The clones were characterized to results: size, weight, firmness, color, pH, soluble solids (SS), titrable acidity (AT), SS/TA ratio, vitamin C, total carotenoids (TC), total anthocyanins (TAN), yellow flavonoids (YF), extractable polyphenols (EP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Activity antioxidant the cashew apples analysed are mainly attributed contents of extrable polyphenols, and this therefore considered as relevant sources of antioxidant compounds, which are necessary for the maintenance of human health. Positive and significant correlations were found between extrable polyphenols and antioxidant activity. The clones that had prominence were the BRS 265 and the CCP 09. The highest ascorbic acid contents were found in the BRS 265 clone, throughout growth and maturation of the cashew apples. The highest levels extrable polyphenols and antioxidant capacity were found in CCP 09 in first five maturity stages. These cashew apples are consumed fresh, which means a potential, and untapped, market for them exists. Therefore, these cashew apples represent a real potential for the development of new products with functional properties, may be explored for antioxidant supplements industry or usefully studied by the industry food for the development of diverse products.