The food industry uses the sensory evaluation as an essential tool in the development, optimization, quality control and the analysis of new product potential market. High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) is an innovative technology that allows retaining the nutritional and sensory food quality, as well as the natural freshness, and extends product shelf life. The HHP does not affect covalent bonds; therefore, it has little effect on chemical constituents responsible for the color, flavor and nutritional content. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of HHP applied to the papaya pulp on sensory attributes of papaya nectar. Control (without treatment), pasteurized (92°C 40s-1) and pressurized papaya purée (300MPa 5min-1 25°C-1) and four commercial papaya frozen purées available in the market were used to prepare the seven respective papaya nectars. Preliminary studies were carried out to determine the amount of water and sugar to be added to the purée, according to the consumer preference. The seven samples were evaluated by 12 selected and trained panelists using the Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA). The results showed that the nectars of control and pressurized samples were similar regarding sensory attributes having been characterized by the presence of lumps, characteristic flavor of papaya, consistency and characteristic aroma of papaya.
nectars fruit; innovative technology for food preservation; quantitative descriptive analysis
