ABSTRACT:
In order to increase the availability to consumers and add even more value to peaches (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) and to identify which cultivars grown in tropical regions are more suitable for jelly processing, the objective of this study was to characterize and evaluate the influence of different peach cultivars (‘Aurora’, ‘Biuti’, ‘Bonão’, ‘Centenário’, ‘Diamante’, ‘Douradão’, ‘Libra’, ‘Régis’ and ‘Tropical’) cultivated in tropical regions on the physicochemical characteristics, rheological properties and sensory acceptance of the resulting jelly. The evaluated cultivars presented great variability among themselves in relation to the physical and physicochemical characteristics. The jellies elaborated from these cultivars; although, presenting great variability in relation to the physicochemical and rheological parameters, presented similar, high acceptance. All cultivars studied are suitable for processing and can be used for industrialization.
Key words:
Prunus persica (L.) Batsch; sensory quality; processing