Caja fruit (Spondias lutea L.) from Maranguape (Ceará-Brazil) obtained at the full maturity stage were processed at a pilot-scale level with the purpose to obtain pulpy juice through enzymatic-mechanical process. The final product was analysed regarding physical-chemical characteristics as well as in relation to sensorial profile after 120 days of storage at room temperature (28°C). The pulp was treated by 120 ppm of pectinolytics enzymes (Pectinex Ultra SP-L) during 30 minutes at 25°C, keeping natural pulp pH (2,98). The "hot-fill " + aditives were used as a preservation process for the pulpy juice. At a statistical point of view physical-chemical characteristics remained without significative alterations, showing average values of pH (2,78), soluble solids (11,19°Brix). total titrable acid (1,46 g% citric acid), reducing sugar (6,91 g% in glicose), tannins (77,36 mg% tanic acid), colour (0,125 in absorbance lecture in 440 nm), pectin (0,12 g% in calcium pectate) and viscosity (10,8 cps). The sensorial analysis classified the pulpy juice as " good " and " very good " acceptance, the highest medium values were the appearance, colour and taste parameters.
caja fruit; pectinolytics enzymes; processing; stability
