Castanhas-do-brasil produzidas ex-situ : caracterização física, sensorial e estabilidade durante o armazenamento

Abstract

The Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa) is widely recognized for its kernels of high commercial value due to their composition rich in unsaturated fatty acids and minerals. However, most studies on its cultivation have focused on its native region, with few experiments conducted outside this context. Recently, fruiting of the species was observed in an experiment carried out in Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil, suggesting the possibility of expanding its production beyond its natural area of occurrence. The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of kernels produced ex-situ in Lavras, Minas Gerais, using nuts from the native region as a comparative reference. The evaluations included analyses of physical dimensions, density, color, and sensory characterization, as well as color analysis, specific extinction, and sensory analysis to assess the stability over time of nuts stored with shell and without shell. The results showed no differences between nuts from the Northern region and those from UFLA for most of the physical parameters analyzed. Specific differences were identified, such as higher density values for kernels from UFLA. In the sensory characterization, distinctions related to shell size and coloration were observed, while similarities were found in flavor attributes; kernels from both origins were described as having a mild, pleasant, and slightly sweet taste. During storage, nuts maintained with the shell showed greater sensory and instrumental stability over time. It can be concluded that the nuts produced ex-situ in Lavras, Minas Gerais, present physical and sensory characteristics comparable to those observed in nuts originating from the species’ natural region of occurrence. The differences observed among samples are subtle and fall within the variability already described for Brazil nuts, possibly influenced by edaphoclimatic factors and cultivation conditions, demonstrating the feasibility of producing the species outside its native range.