Abstract The objective was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, nutritional composition and fatty acid profile of eleven exotic fruits in Brazil Northeast. The fruits, except pequi, presented acid pH, high moisture, low protein, low lipid and low energetic contents. Pequi is highlighted by its high protein content (2.79 g.100 g-1), lipid (13.6 g.100 g-1), carbohydrates (28.71 g.100 g-1), titratable acidity (2.75 g citric acid.100 g-1) and pH (2.54-5.19). Unpeeled and peeled jenipapo presented higher ash composition (1.26-1.38g.100 g-1), soluble solids (20.29-21.17 ºBrix) and carbohydrates (22.55-23.66 g.100 g-1) compared to others fruits. Fourteen fatty acids were quantified and classified as saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The concentrations of total fatty acids ranged from 1.92 to 1293.21 mg.100 g-1, being palmitic acid and oleic acid more prevalent. The fruits composition data indicated potential for improvement of diets, food industry and gastronomic market. characteristics Northeast pequi moisture contents 2.79 279 2 79 (2.7 g100 100 g.10 g1, g1 1 , 13.6 136 13 6 (13. 28.71 2871 28 71 (28.7 2.75 275 75 acid100 acid.10 g-1 2.545.19. 254519 2.54 5.19 . 54 5 19 (2.54-5.19) 1.261.38g.100 126138g100 1.26 1.38g.100 26 38g (1.26-1.38g.10 20.2921.17 20292117 20.29 21.17 20 29 21 17 (20.29-21.1 ºBrix 22.5523.66 22552366 22.55 23.66 22 55 23 66 (22.55-23.6 192 92 1.9 129321 1293 1293.2 mg100 mg mg.10 1, prevalent diets market 2.7 27 7 (2. g10 10 g.1 13. (13 28.7 287 (28. acid10 acid.1 g- 545 2.545.19 25451 254 2.5 519 5.1 (2.54-5.19 261 1.261.38g.10 126138g10 126 1.2 138g100 1.38g.10 (1.26-1.38g.1 2921 20.2921.1 2029211 2029 20.2 2117 21.1 (20.29-21. 5523 22.5523.6 2255236 2255 22.5 2366 23.6 (22.55-23. 9 1. 12932 129 1293. mg10 mg.1 2. (2 g. (1 28. (28 acid1 acid. 2.545.1 2545 25 51 5. (2.54-5.1 1.261.38g.1 126138g1 12 138g10 1.38g.1 (1.26-1.38g. 292 20.2921. 202921 202 20. 211 21. (20.29-21 552 22.5523. 225523 225 22. 236 23. (22.55-23 mg1 mg. ( 2.545. (2.54-5. 1.261.38g. 126138g 138g1 1.38g. (1.26-1.38g 20.2921 20292 (20.29-2 22.5523 22552 (22.55-2 2.545 (2.54-5 1.261.38g 138g 1.38g 20.292 (20.29- 22.552 (22.55- (2.54- (20.29 (22.55 (2.54 (20.2 (22.5 (2.5 (20. (22. (20 (22

Abstract In this research, aqueous and ethanolic extracts from Justicia pectoralis Jacq and Croton Jacobinensis Baill were characterized. The UPLC-QTOF-MSE analysis was performed on the extracts identified, predominantly, flavonoids, tannins and acids. The extracts did not indicate toxicity in human epithelial cells. C. jacobinensis presented a concentration of phenolics 60.5% higher than J. pectoralis in all scenarios evaluated and, for both samples, the hydroalcoholic extract at 70% exhibited the best efficiency in the extraction (14501.3 and 32521.5 mg GAE 100 g-1 for J. pectoralis and C. jacobinensis, respectively). The antioxidant activity presented a positive correlation with the concentration of phenolics, being 1.186,1 and 1.507,9 μM of Trolox for J. pectoralis and C. jacobinensis at 70% of ethanol; however, it was not verified statistical difference between the ethanolic solutions (p < 0.05). The antimicrobial activity of J. pectoralis extracts was highlighted once was the most effective against gram-positive bacteria. The results suggest that both J. pectoralis and C. jacobinensis extracts present the potential to be applied as natural additives due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity and safety. Thus, it is suggesting the development of studies that could investigate the interaction of these plant extracts with food matrices is required. research characterized UPLCQTOFMSE UPLC QTOF MSE identified predominantly flavonoids acids cells C 605 60 5 60.5 J samples 70 14501.3 145013 14501 3 (14501. 325215 32521 32521. 10 g1 g 1 g- respectively. respectively . respectively) 11861 186 1.186, 15079 507 9 1.507, ethanol however p 0.05. 005 0.05 0 05 0.05) grampositive gram bacteria safety Thus required 6 60. 7 14501. 1450 (14501 3252 1186 18 1.186 1507 50 1.507 00 0.0 145 (1450 325 118 1.18 150 1.50 0. 14 (145 32 11 1.1 15 1.5 (14 1. (1 (

Abstract The present study aimed to develop and perform physicochemical and sensory analyses of new vegetable beverage with cashew nuts (C), brown rice, and prunes (P). Four formulations (F) were developed: F1: 3% C + 9% P; F2: 6% C + 9% P; F3: 3% C + 12% P; F4: 6% C + 12% P. All formulations had good acceptance with grades ranging from 6.14 to 7.23. Among formulations, F3 showed more promising from a functional and sensory point of view, since presented a higher content of oleic acid and antioxidant activity, and showed lower values for calories, lipids and viscosity compared to all other formulations. It was concluded that it was technically possible to develop an alternative vegetable beverage for those allergic to cow's milk, those with lactose intolerance, and people with obesity or cardiovascular and digestive problems.

Abstract The elaboration of fruit blends added of functional components results in nutritionally enriched products. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the physicochemical, sensorial and rheological properties of cashew-apple and araça-boi beverages added with encapsulated omega-3 and stability during 120 days of storage. Juice formulations were prepared with and without adding omega-3 oil and encapsulated omega-3, pasteurized and stored at room temperature, and evaluated sensory, physicochemical and rheological properties. The optimized formulation of the beverage was obtained with 18.6% of cashew-apple and 9.3% of araça-boi pulps, selected in the experiment of the response surface. The formulations with encapsulated omega-3 maintained sensory acceptability. The physicochemical parameters did not present significant interactions among the formulations and the storage time. A consumer test with 100 people was performed using an acceptance test and check all that apply (CATA). The beverage added with unencapsulated omega-3 presented a variation in the sensory attributes along with the storage. All samples showed non-Newtonian behavior and pseudoplastic character. Omega-3 encapsulation is recommended to favor the acceptability and constancy of rheological characteristics in the beverage nutritionally enriched with omega-3.

Abstract Acerola industrial by-products present high levels of antioxidant compounds. Encapsulation technology has shown to be of great importance in the food industry. In this context, better nanoparticles are indicated in aiming to enrich food products with bioactive compounds. Five formulations were analyzed for yield, size distribution and zeta potential, infrared spectroscopy, encapsulation efficiency and doping. The yield data presented values from 38.01% to 44.34%. The nanoparticles had sizes varying from 27.12 nm to 308.80 nm and negatively charged surfaces. The encapsulation efficiency was quantified based on the vitamin C content, total extractable polyphenols and antioxidant activity according to specific methodology taking into account the different compounds ranging from 25.44% to 69.37%; 66.45% to 99.56% and 2.24% to 6.54%, respectively. The above data indicate that nanoparticles made with acerola by-products and arabic gum/maltodextrin are promising as natural food additives, with high levels of bioactive compounds.

Abstract Three paste formulations were developed for four fruits: caja, murici with mango and pitanga, with differentiated percentages of fruit pulp, organic honey and gellan gum. Pulps, honey and fruit paste formulations were analyzed by antioxidant capacity, vitamin C and in vitro bioaccessibility. All formulations showed a high content of vitamin C, antioxidant action and the bioaccessibility. All the formulations were accepted regarding the overall impression, except MM3 (murici pulp:mango pulp:honey 50:50:00 and 0.25% gellan gum) and PI1 (pitanga pulp: honey 90:10 and 0.6% gellan gum). Therefore, fruit pastes are options to encourage consumption of tropical fruits of agro-biodiversity in the Brazilian Northeast.

Informações a respeito das características químicas e do valor nutritivo dos frutos do cerrado são ferramentas básicas para a avaliação do consumo e para a formulação de novos produtos. No entanto, poucos dados estão disponíveis na literatura especializada com relação à composição química destes frutos e sua aplicação tecnológica, ressaltando a necessidade de pesquisas científicas sobre o assunto. Realizou-se o presente estudo com o objetivo de caracterizar físico-quimicamente e determinar a atividade antioxidante in vitro, pelo método DPPH, da cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica), cajuzinho-do-cerrado (Anacardium humile), chichá (Sterculia striata Naud.), jatobá-do-cerrado (Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart.) e macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata Mart.). Os frutos foram colhidos na EMBRAPA - MEIO NORTE - PI, e na Cidade de Corrente-PI. Analisaram-se as características físicas (peso, comprimento e diâmetro), químicas (umidade, cinzas, lipídeos, proteínas, carboidratos), Valor Energético Total (VET), conteúdo de compostos fenólicos totais, flavonoides, antocianinas, β-caroteno, licopeno, vitamina C e atividade antioxidante pelo método DPPH. As amostras foram analisadas em dois lotes, e cada análise, em triplicata. Para a análise dos dados, foi elaborado um banco de dados, utilizando-se do programa estatístico EPI INFO, versão 6.04b, e o programa EXCEL. Os resultados obtidos para os compostos bioativos estudados demonstraram que todos os frutos apresentaram quantidade elevada de vitamina C (mg/100g), destacando-se o cajuzinho-do-cerrado (500). Os frutos que apresentaram maior capacidade antioxidante, expressos em capacidade de reduzir em 50% a atividade do radical livre DPPH (EC50mg/L), foram cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica Dc.) e cajuzinho-do-cerrado (Anacardium humile). Concluiu-se, portanto, que os frutos pesquisados apresentaram bom valor nutritivo, um elevado conteúdo de compostos bioativos e demonstraram atividade antioxidante.

Details about the chemical characterist composition and nutritional value of the cerrado fruits are basic tools for evaluating the consumption and formulation of new products. However, few data are available in the literature with regard to chemical composition of these fruits and their technological application, highlighting the need for scientific research on the subject. It was performed the present study aiming at characterizing the physical-chemical and determine the antioxidant activity in vitro by the DPPH method, the cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica) cajuzinho-do-cerrado (Anacardium humile), chichá (Sterculia striata Naud .), jatoba-do-cerrado (Hymenaeastigonocarpa Mart.) and macaúba (Acrocomiaaculeata Mart.). The fruits were harvested at EMBRAPA - MID NORTH - PI and Correntes City - PI. It was analyzed the physical characteristics (weight, length and diameter), chemical (moisture, ashes, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates), total energy value (TEV), the content of total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, β-carotene, lycopene, vitamin C and antioxidant activity by DPPH. The samples were analyzed in two batches and each in triplicate analysis. For data analysis, it was designed a database, using the statistical program EPI INFO, version 6.04b. The obtained results for the studied bioactive compounds showed that all the fruits expressed hight amount of vitamin C (mg/100g), highlighting the cajuzinho-do-cerrado (500). The fruits with the highest antioxidant capacity, expressed in ability to reduce by 50% the activity of free radical DPPH (EC50mg / L) were cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica Dc.) and cajuzinho-do-cerrado (Anacardium humile). The research concludes, therefore, that the fruits studied showed good nutritional value, a meaningful content of bioactive compounds and demonstrate antioxidant activity.

Das espécies frutíferas nativas do Nordeste, o muricizeiro (Byrsonima dealbata Griseb) destaca-se dupla finalidade, consumo "in natura" e industrialização. As populações locais vivem do extrativismo e tem no murici uma fonte de renda, comercializando-o em feiras livres. Apesar da importância social das espécies frutíferas nativas para algumas regiões, no entanto, há poucas informações a cerca destas espécies. Em vista do exposto, o objetivo foi avaliar frutos de diferentes genótipos de muricizeiros por meio da caracterização biométrica e as relações genéticas entre os mesmos. Analisaram-se 18 genótipos de muricizeiros, oriundos dos municípios Pacajus, Fortaleza e Paraipaba, CE. Foram realizadas 30 medições, onde cada medição correspondeu a um fruto, nos quais foram analisados: massa, diâmetro, comprimento, cor (L, a*, b*), firmeza e rendimento, sendo este com base em 100 g de polpa. Dos resultados obtidos obteve-se predominância de frutos oblongos, com destaque para o genótipo EM 4 por apresentar maior massa dos frutos. Foram estimadas: variância residual, variância genética, repetibilidade e correlações fenotípicas entre as variáveis estudadas. As técnicas multivariadas aplicadas (agrupamento de genótipos por meio da otimização de Tocher, análise de componentes principais e análise da dissimilaridade dos genótipos, expressa em dendrograma, com base no método do vizinho mais próximo) foram concordantes entre si, demonstrando que os genótipos EM 3, EM 4 e PAC 6 foram divergentes entre si e entre os demais, possuindo variabilidade genética, permitindo potencial uso dos mesmos em programas de melhoramento.

Of the species of fruits native to the northeast of Brazil, the nance tree (Byrsonima dealbata Griseb) stands out for offering the potential for both fresh consumption and industrialization. The local populations live by harvesting fruits, and find a source of income in the nance fruit, selling it in street markets. Despite the social importance of those fruit species which are native to certain regions, there is little information about these species. In view of the above, the objective here was to evaluate the fruits of different nance genotypes, using biometric characterization and the genetic relationships between those genotypes. Eighteen genotypes of the nance were analysed, taken from the municipalities of Pacajus, Fortaleza and Paraipaba in the state of Ceará. Thirty measurements were taken, each corresponding to a single fruit, in which the following were analysed: weight, diameter, length, color (L, a*, b*) firmness and yield, this last being based on 100g of pulp. From the results, oblong fruit were predominant, especially the EM 4 genotype which presented the greatest weight. The residual variance, genetic variance, repeatability and phenotypic correlations between variables were all estimated. The multivariate techniques used (genotype clustering using Tocher optimisation, principal-component analysis, and analysis of the dissimilarity of the genotypes expressed as a dendrogram based on nearest-neighbor methodology) had similar results, showing that the three genotypes EM 3, EM 4 and PAC 6 presented different results from each other and the rest of the group, having a genetic variability which would potentially allow for usage in breeding programs.

Brazil is one of the three largest producers of fruits in the world, and among those fruit trees, the cashew tree stands out due to the high nutritional and commercial value of its products. During its fruit processing, there are losses in some compounds and few studies address this issue. Over the last decade the conventional system of food production has been substituted for the organic cultivation system, which is a promising alternative source of income given the global demand for healthy food. Therefore, this research aimed to characterize and quantify the prevalent fatty acids found in cashew nuts obtained from conventional and organic cultivation during various stages of processing. The prevalent fatty acids found were palmitic, linoleic, oleic, and stearic acid. The average of these fatty acids were 6.93 ± 0.55; 16.99 ± 0.61; 67.62 ± 1.00 and 8.42 ± 0.55 g/100 g, respectively. There was no reduction in the palmitic, oleic and stearic fatty acid contents during processing. Very little difference was observed between the nuts obtained from conventional and organic cultivation, indicating that the method of cultivation used has little or no influence on the content of cashew nut fatty acids.

A abordagem do comportamento reológico de néctares mistos de frutas tem fornecido importantes informações para o processamento dos mesmos, resultando em benefícios para a indústria e, consequentemente, para o consumidor. Portanto, neste trabalho, se estudou o comportamento reológico de néctares mistos de caju, manga e acerola, nas temperaturas de 8 °C e 25 °C. As medidas experimentais foram realizadas em reômetro rotacional de cilindros concêntricos e os dados experimentais foram ajustados ao modelo de Casson. A tensão inicial apresentou ajuste ao modelo cúbico especial, para a temperatura de 8 °C. Para a temperatura de 25 °C, observou-se ajuste ao modelo cúbico especial para a viscosidade plástica de Casson. O aumento nas proporções de polpas de caju, manga e acerola resultou no aumento da viscosidade plástica de Casson e o aumento da quantidade de polpa de caju proporcionou aumento na tensão inicial.

The rheological behaviour approach to the study of fruit nectars has provided important information for the processing of these products, resulting in benefits for industry and hence for the consumer. In this paper, the rheological behaviour of mixed beverages based on cashew, mango and acerola fruits was studied at 8 °C and 25 °C. The experimental measurements were made using a rotating concentric cylinder rheometer and the results adjusted to fit the Casson model. The initial stress fitted the special cubic model at a temperature of 8 °C. At a temperature of 25 °C, it fitted the special cubic model for Casson's plastic viscosity. An increase in the proportions of cashew apple, mango and acerola pulps resulted in an increase in Casson's plastic viscosity and an increase in the amount of cashew apple pulp increased the initial stress.

O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a estabilidade química, físico-química e microbiológica de polpas de acerola pasteurizadas e não-pasteurizadas, oriundas de cultivo orgânico e armazenadas sob congelamento (-18±2°C) durante 360 dias. O armazenamento sob congelamento não ocasionou perdas significativas de qualidade das polpas de acerola. No entanto, o tratamento térmico influenciou negativamente nos conteúdos iniciais de alguns componentes, principalmente sólidos solúveis, açúcares solúveis totais e redutores, que apresentaram conteúdos inferiores no início do armazenamento para as polpas pasteurizadas. As polpas pasteurizadas e não-pasteurizadas apresentaram boa qualidade microbiológica do início ao final do armazenamento. Dentre as polpas estudadas, as polpas não-pasteurizadas apresentaram melhores características iniciais de cor. As polpas pasteurizadas garantiram melhores características microbiológicas no que concerne aos aspectos de segurança alimentar.

The present research aimed to evaluate the chemical, physical-chemical and microbiological stability of pasteurized and non-pasteurized acerola pulp coming from organic cultivation stored frozen for 360 days. Storage under freezing did not cause significant loss of acerola pulp's quality. However, the heat treatment had a negative influence on the initial contents of some components, especially soluble solids, total soluble and reducing sugars, which showed lower contents at the beginning of storage for pasteurized pulp. Among the pulps studied, non-pasteurized pulps showed the best characteristics of the initial color. The pasteurized pulps guaranteed best features in regard to the microbiological aspects of food safety.

O maracujá tem sido bastante consumido devido ao seu aroma e acidez acentuados, tendo grande importância também por seus frutos ricos em sais minerais e vitaminas, sobretudo, A e C. É utilizado em uma série de produtos como sorvetes, mousses e principalmente como suco. Porém, o processamento afeta o conteúdo, a atividade e a biodisponibilidade dos componentes bioativos. Investigações dos efeitos do processamento nos constituintes nutricionais nos sucos são escassos. Frequentemente, somente as perdas de vitamina C são avaliadas. Este trabalho objetivou investigar como as etapas do processamento (formulação/homogeneização e tratamento térmico) de suco de maracujá afetam as propriedades químicas e físico-químicas deste produto. Os resultados deste estudo indicam que as características químicas e físico-químicas são pouco afetadas pelo processamento, apesar de ter sido verificada diminuição dos teores de vitamina C, antocianinas e carotenoides, estando este último, mesmo após a etapa de pasteurização, em elevadas quantidades.

Passion fruit is widely consumed due to its pleasant flavour and aroma acidity, and it is considered very important a source of minerals and vitamins. It is used in many products such as ice-cream, mousses and, especially, juices. However, the processing of passion fruit juice may modify the composition and biodisponibility of the bioactive compounds. Investigations of the effects of processing on nutritional components in tropical juices are scarce. Frequently, only losses of vitamin C are evaluated. The objective of this paper is to investigate how some operations of passion fruit juice processing (formulation/homogeneization/thermal treatment) affect this product's chemical and physicochemical characteristics. The results showed that the chemical and physicochemical characteristics are little affected by the processing although a reduction in vitamin C contents and anthocyanin, large quantities of carotenoids was verified even after the pasteurization stage.

Conduziu-se este trabalho, com o objetivo de realizar o processamento e avaliar a estabilidade da polpa de bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart.) submetida ao congelamento durante 12 meses. Durante o período de armazenamento não ocorreram alterações significativas nas características físico-químicas da polpa quanto aos teores de sólidos solúveis, pH, atividade de água, açúcares totais e redutores, vitamina C, compostos fenólicos poliméricos e oligoméricos, pectina total e solúvel e cor L, a* , b*, enquanto que a acidez total e relação SST/AT variaram com o tempo de armazenamento. Os compostos fenólicos dímeros apresentaram aumento em função do tempo. Pelos resultados obtidos, a polpa de bacuri não pode ser considerada uma boa fonte de vitamina C. Por outro lado, apresenta baixos teores de compostos fenólicos caracterizando a polpa como, potencialmente pouco adstringente e com potencial para o processamento. A qualidade microbiológica não foi alterada durante o período de armazenamento. Os resultados apontam a eficiência do congelamento na manutenção das características físico-químicas e microbiológicas da polpa de bacuri.

The objective of this work was to process and evaluate the stability of the bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart.) pulp submitted to freezing for 12 months. During the storage period there were significant changes in the physiochemical characteristics of the pulp as for the content of total soluble solids, pH, water activity, total and reducing sugars, vitamin C, polimer and oligomeric phenolic compounds , total and soluble pectin and color L, the a*, b *,while total acidity and soluble solids varied with the storange period. The dimers phenolic compounds incresead with the time. According to the results, the bacuri pulp cannot be considered a good source of vitamin C, but it presents low contents of phenolic compounds characterizing the pulp as little astringent, thus showing potential for the processing. The microbiological quality was not altered during the storage period indicating the efficiency of freezing for maintaining the physiochemical and microbiological characteristics of the bacuri pulp.

Embora o suco de caju seja bastante consumido no Brasil e muitos estudos sobre seu valor nutricional tenham sido publicados, a literatura não reporta estudos sobre a determinação de folatos nesse suco. Várias técnicas analíticas podem ser utilizadas visando à detecção da referida vitamina. Optou-se por utilizar o ensaio microbiológico oficial de determinação de folatos em alimentos, utilizando-se Lactobacillus casei como microrganismo de teste. Foram testados a utilização de ultrassom e tratamento enzimático como fases preparatórias, a fim de determinar qual a melhor metodologia a ser empregada. Foram comparados também o uso de padrões de ácido fólico e folato. Os resultados mostraram que o emprego de enzima é indicado como fase preparatória na determinação desta vitamina em suco de caju. A utilização de ultrassom não interferiu, significativamente, nos resultados encontrados, sendo seu emprego dispensável. Os teores de folato encontrados no suco de caju integral in natura indicam que o consumo de uma porção de 200 mL do suco equivale à ingestão de aproximadamente 500 µg de folato, valor superior à ingestão diária recomendada para adultos.

Although cashew apple juice has been highly consumed in Brazil and several studies on its nutritional value have been published, no studies on the determination of folate contents in this juice were found in the literature. Several analytic techniques can be employed for the folate determination in foods. In this study, the microbiological assay using Lactobacillus casei was employed. Enzyme treatment and ultrasound waves were tested as pretreatment. The use of standards of folic acid and folate were also evaluated. The results showed that the enzyme treatment cannot be replaced by ultrasound treatment. The consumption of 200 mL of in natura cashew apple juice corresponds to a folate intake of 500 µg, which is higher than the recommended daily intake for adults.

Nos últimos anos, o bacuri vem se destacando dentre as frutas nativas, de elevado valor socioeconômico, pelas amplas possibilidades de utilização. É amplamente usado pela população amazônica e pode ser encontrado em supermercados de várias cidades. Neste trabalho objetivou-se avaliar o potencial de conservação de frutos do bacurizeiro armazenados em diferentes temperaturas de refrigeração e recobertos com filme de PVC por um período de 36 dias. Houve diminuição dos valores de sólidos solúveis totais, acidez total titulável e açúcares e aumento do pH durante o armazenamento para todas as temperaturas avaliadas, enquanto os valores de clorofila apresentaram grandes variações ao longo do período de armazenamento.

In the last years, bacuri has stood out among native fruits with socioeconomic value for the great possibilities of utilization. Bacuri is widely used by the Amazon population and can to be found in supermarkets of several cities. The objective of this work was to evaluate the conservation potential of bacuri packed in PVC and stored under different refrigeration temperatures for a period of 36 days. There was a decrease in total soluble solids, titratable acidity and sugars and increase in pH during storage at all evaluated temperatures, while the chlorophyll content showed great variations over the period of storage.