Estudo das espécies e aplicações tecnológicas da pitaia

Abstract

Hylocereus and Selenicereus belong to the Cactaceae family, prominence in the economic generation due to the fruitculture commerce, with high economic potential due to its exotic appearance and its nutritional and functional properties. Furthermore, it has the capacity to adapt in environments with unfavourable conditions. In this way, it is essential to compare studies related to its physicochemical characteristics in order to create new products from its compounds. This work aimed to find different studies related to the content of pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity, protein, fiber, lipids, vitamin C, minerals, substances such as polyphenols, flavonoids, phenols, pigments that are the anthocyanins, betalains and carotenoids. Narrative review of collected data in publiser web sites. The species presented pH values varying from 6.4 to 4.3, classifying it as little acidic. The acidity varied from 0.10 to 6.7% citric acid. The proteins obtained values of 0.18 to 1.97%, the pitaia had little protein content. The fruit is a good source of fibre, ranging from 1.84 to 11.36%. As for vitamin C, values ranged from 0.48 mg/100 g to 21.42 mg/100 g. The different species studied also showed excellent concentrations of bioactive substances: total polyphenols were 15.81 mg/100g to 48.07 mg/100 g, flavonoids were 3.49 mg/100 g to 7.69 mg/100 g and anthocyanins were 11.53 mg/100 g in H. Polyhizus to 15.31 mg/100 g in H. costaricensis and betacyanins 48.91 mg/100 g in H. polyhizus. The physicochemical characteristics of pitaias have great importance for its consumption in natura, in the exploration of its compounds for the creation of new products, such as preservatives from the use of betalains and natural dyes, as well as the pulp and peel for flour, liquor and the use of fiber for the enrichment of food paste.