The Dovyalis is an exotic fruit originated in Africa, reddish-orange color and high acidity. In Brazil it was propagated through seeds in Citrus Experimental Station Bebedouro SP, from a plant introduced from Florida-USA, by FCAV/UNESP being selected a plant produced fruits with lower acidity. This plant, called dovyalis 'Romana', is in full production, and has been vegetatively propagated. The objective was to evaluate the potential use of the fruits of dovyalis for the fresh fruit market or industry, considering its physical and physical-chemical characteristics. This preliminary study is unprecedented, because there are few studies use about the uses of the dovyalis in literature. The results showed that the acidity of the fruits of dovyalis 'Romana' (1.76 % citric acid) was significantly lower than those of the introduced plants (5.5 % citric acid). The fruits of dovyalis 'Romana' also had high ratio (7.55) and the pulp color tends to yellow-green (a*= 9.01, b*= 33.15), significantly different from the pulp of the introduced plant. In general, no significant differences in pulp yield (79 %), soluble solids (12 ºBrix), transversal diameter (26 mm) and longitudinal diameter (23 mm). Thus, we suggest that the fruits of dovyalis Romana present ability to both natural market and production of sweets and juices. However, the fruits of the introduced plant, in concern of the high acidity and the attractive colour, are intended to the production of sweets and juices. The visual appearance of the fruit and flavor of the dovyalis 'Romana' open up potential markets for the diversification of commercial production of exotic fruits.
exotic fruit; diversification; fruiticulture
