Juçara (Euterpe edulis Martius) pulp drum drying: An alternative technology for premium fruit ingredients

Abstract Juçara is a Brazilian palm tree commonly found in small farming communities in well-preserved Atlantic Rainforest remnants. Although juçara is a highly perishable fruit that requires freezing temperatures for storage, drying presents a viable alternative to avoid the cold chain. This study assessed the drum drying of juçara pulp under three conditions: (1) without carrier agents, (2) with 5% (dry basis) corn starch, and (3) with 10% (dry basis) organic rice flour. Dried juçara pulp was analyzed for its chemical composition and bioactive properties. Drum drying of juçara pulp seems viable with or without the use of carrier agents (approximately 97% of water removal). While juçara flakes maintained similar total phenolic content as the fresh pulp (p > 0.05), anthocyanin levels and antioxidant capacity were reduced (135.72 mg/100g of anthocyanins in juçara pulp, against 58.71, 75.36 and 79.39 g/100g in juçara flakes with corn starch, organic rice flour and no additives, respectively, p > 0.05). Despite the need for further stability analysis, the product prepared without carrier agents emerged as a promising option for producing 100% juçara flakes.