Hovenia dulcis, whose popular name is Japanese grape, belongs to the family Rhamnaceae, native of China, Japan and Korea, is widely distributed in southern Brazil. Rich in sugar and with good acceptance for human consumption it can be consumed fresh or processed. There are no literature reports of its use in food products. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition of the Japanese grape fruit, concentrated extract and flour. The contents for moisture (54.08, 52.44 e 19.08g 100g-1), ash (2.16, 4.09 e 4.48g 100g-1), protein (3.74, 2.77 e 5.73g 100g-1), ethereal extract (1.42, 0.37 e 1.82g 100g-1), dietary fiber (12.56, 3.33 and 25.62g 100g-1) and total sugars (19.46, 37.34 and 42.53g 100g-1) were obtained for the fruit, concentrated extract and flour, respectively. Quantification by liquid chromatography confirmed that the content of reducing sugars (fructose, 6.15g 100g-1 and glucose, 6.57g 100g-1) is higher than the non-reducing sugars content in fruit (sucrose, 3.56g 100g-1). Calories resulted in values of 105.56, 165.14 and 216.09kcal 100g-1 for fruit, concentrated extract and flour, respectively. The flour is rich in sugars and has a high content of dietary fiber being able to be used as an alternative ingredient in bakery products. Sensory analysis of the concentrated extract revealed an acceptability rate of 82% among the judges, showing good potential for jams' production.
sugars; liquid chromatography; quality; dietary fiber
