One of the principal problems encountered when elaborating açai juice is contamination by microorganisms, originating from technical and hygienic-sanitary problems during processing. With the object of eradication of this microbiota in the açai juice, the processes of pasteurization and ebullition at different temperatures and time were used, and shelf life was evaluated. The juice was stored in a freezer at 18ºC for 120 days and evaluated monthly with regard to the microbiological and physical-chemistry characteristics. The microbiological results of the açai in natura demonstrated high contamination for total coliformes (> 100 NMP/ml) and feces (> 110 NMP/ml), moulds and yeasts (> 300 UFC/ml). The pasteurization at 90ºC for five minutes and ebullition for one minute demonstrated efficiency in eradicting microorganisms, maintaining sensore characteristics and conserving açai juice for 120 days at 18ºC.
Açai; microbiological analysis; physical-chemical analysis; thermic treatment; shelf-life