Abstract The aim of this study was to stabilize guava nectar using hydrocolloids and/or enzymes, and evaluate the stability and the bioactive compounds content during storage. In general, there was a decrease in pH and an increase in titratable acidity and soluble solids of the nectars. During storage, it was observed that nectars with pectinase showed decrease in pH, increase in titratable acidity and soluble solids, and also less phase separation, standing out among them the nectar with enzyme and guar gum. The nectar formulated with xanthan showed the highest antioxidant capacity. All nectars showed slight decrease in the carotenoid content and high losses of vitamin C during the storage period.

Frutas e hortaliças, de forma geral, são fontes de vitaminas, sais minerais e fibras. Recentemente, tem sido verificada a presença de compostos bioativos, incluindo carotenoides, antocianinas e compostos fenólicos, para os quais pesquisas relatam ação antioxidante e potencial terapêutico. A Bromelia antiacantha Bertol., popularmente conhecida por banana-do-mato, caraguatá, gravatá, carauatá e croatá, ocorre naturalmente no Rio Grande do Sul-Brasil. Informações científicas quanto à composição nutricional e a atividade biológica para essa espécie ainda são restritas. Nesse sentido, o objetivo do trabalho foi determinar a composição físico-química, incluindo o teor de compostos bioativos da Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. Elevado teor de lipídios (5,07 ± 0,4 %), ácido ascórbico (60,01 ± 5,04 mg.100g-1) e carotenoides (162,67 ± 36,70 mg.100g-1) foram encontrados para a espécie Bromelia antiacantha Bertol., assim como baixo teor de carboidratos (8,75%).

Fruits and vegetables in general are sources of vitamins, minerals and fibers. Recently it has been verified the presence of bioactive compounds including carotenoids, anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, for which surveys have reported antioxidant action and therapeutic potential. The Bromelia antiacantha Bertol., popularly known asbanana do mato, caraguatá, gravata, carauatá and croatá occurs naturally in Rio Grande do Sul / Brazil. Scientific information on the nutritional composition and biological activity of this species is scarce. In this sense, the objective was to determine the physical and chemical composition, including the content of bioactive compounds of Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. High fat (5.07 ± 0.4%), ascorbic acid (60.01 ± 5.04 mg.100g-1) and carotenoids (162.67 ± 36.70 mg.100g-1) were found in the Bromelia antiacantha Bertol. species, as well as low-carbohydrate (8.75%).