Caracterização pós-colheita do Noni (Morinda Citrifolia L.) conservado sob temperatura controlada.

Abstract

Noni is an exotic fruit with ample potential for use in the human diet, which has aroused the interest of the food industry. This study aimed to evaluate the postharvest quality of fruits of noni kept under controlled temperature. The study was conducted with fruits from the state of Ceara, packaged and carried in insulated containers to the Food Analysis Laboratory of the Centre for Agri-food Science and Technology, Federal University of Campina Grande. It was evaluated the physical and chemical, biochemical, toxicological and microbiological characteristics on days 0 , 2 , 4 , 6 and 8 of conservation, using a completely randomized design with four replications . The noni highlighted with nutritional characteristics considered important in the post- harvest fruit, and may be considered a good source of natural antioxidant, especially the phenolic compounds and vitamin C. Levels of contamination by microorganisms during storage were low and did not represent risks for food security.