Abstract
Minimally processed table cassava roots have emerged as an alternative to increase the post-harvest life of the product, and make a more practical, safer food available for consumers. The Brazilian Federal District and surroundings are becoming a major cassava producer and consumer. Thus the objective of this study was to determine the effects of different concentrations of citric acid (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%) in the conservation of minimally processed IAC 576-70 cassava roots immersed in water. The product was maintained at a temperature of 3 °C for 35 days. The following analyses were carried out on the raw material and on the product during storage: pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, ratio, cooking time, colour and texture of the roots. The action of the citric acid on the shelf life of the product was positive for all concentrations throughout storage. There were significant reductions in pH and increases in titratable acidity of the product for all the citric acid concentrations evaluated, being less pronounced in the product subjected to a concentration of 0.5%. Visually the presence of microorganisms was not observed in any of the minimally processed cassava roots or in the water in which they were submerged.
Keywords:
Manihot esculenta Crantz; Minimal processing; Shelf life; Storage