ABSTRACT. Drying is an important step in the post-harvest processes as a way of product conservation and quality preservation. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of continuous and intermittent drying of maize grains with different rest periods on the integrity of their micro- and macroscopic structures. Maize grains were harvested with a moisture content of 0.3399 ± 0.001 dry basis (db) and subjected to continuous and intermittent drying with 4, 8, 12, and 16 hours of rest period. An experimental fixed-bed dryer, with controlled drying air conditions at a temperature of 100 °C and air flow of 1.5 m3 min.−1 m−2 (12 m3 min.−1 m−3), was used. Continuous drying was completed with a moisture content of 0.1628 ± 0.0003 db, whereas intermittent drying was interrupted with 0.2195 ± 0.0002 db and resumed after rest. The drying rate, integrity through grain images, the conformation of particles through scanning electron microscopy, and cell membrane integrity were evaluated. The drying rate increased with an increase in the rest period, the increase in rest period reduced the intensity of cracks, and the reduction in rest period led to higher dispersion and reduction in the size of starch granules and lower integrity of cell membranes.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to characterize buckwheat flours produced using different processing methods, including with or without tegument removal and sieving with different mesh sizes. Flour A was produced by milling clean grains without husks or any other waste derived from peeling and separation processes and by sieving using 0.21-mm sieves. Flour B was a by-product of flour A, with grain size measuring 0.21–0.25 mm. Flour C was produced by milling whole grains, which after grain separation using 0.21-mm sieves resulted in a fine, whole-grain flour. Flour D was produced from what remained in the 0.21-mm sieves after sieving flour C and was processed using 0.25-mm sieves. Flours were assessed regarding water content, water activity, pH, acidity, color, microscopic characteristics, and protein and ash content. The study design was completely randomized, and differences were tested using an analysis of variance and comparison-of-means tests. Milling and separation procedures changed most quality parameters, except for water activity. Flour D contained the largest proportion of crude protein (19.87%) and showed high solubility and darker coloration than the other flours. The results of this study may be of relevance for consumers and for commercial buckwheat processing to optimize processing methods for food manufacturing.

RESUMO O processo de secagem de grãos é uma prática comum e necessária à manutenção da qualidade, porém é uma das atividades de maior demanda energética dentre as fases pós-colheita. Neste contexto, realizou-se este estudo com objetivo de avaliar os efeitos de diferentes períodos de repouso na eficiência energética do processo de secagem e manutenção da integridade das membranas dos grãos colhidos com teor de água de 0,34 ± 0,01 b.s. Os grãos foram secos em um secador experimental de camada fixa com controle de temperatura e fluxo de ar. O experimento foi montado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco períodos de repouso (0, 4, 8, 12 e 16 horas) e quatro repetições, em que zero corresponde à secagem contínua e os demais à secagem intermitente. Os grãos foram secos a 100 ºC de temperatura e fluxo de ar de 15,4 m3 min-1 t-1 até atingir 0,16 ± 0,02 b.s. Para a secagem intermitente, o processo foi interrompido com 0,22 ± 0,03 b.s. e retomado após o período de repouso. O aumento do período de repouso diminuiu o tempo efetivo de secagem, consumo específico de energia, condutividade elétrica, danos da reação do iodo e aumentou a taxa de secagem e eficiência energética global. A secagem intermitente foi 30,25% mais eficiente que contínua.

ABSTRACT Grain drying is a common process, due to its need for the maintenance of quality, but it is the activity with the highest energy demand among the postharvest stages. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of different tempering times on the energy efficiency of drying process and maintenance of cell membrane integrity of maize grains harvested with moisture content at 0.34 ± 0.01 d.b. The grains were dried in an experimental fixed-bed dryer with control of temperature and air flow conditions. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with five tempering times (0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 hours) and four repetitions, where zero corresponds to continuous drying, while the remaining times correspond to the intermittent dryings. The grains were dried at the temperature of 100 ºC and air flow of 15.4 m3 min-1 t-1 until reaching moisture content of 0.16 ± 0.03 d.b. For intermittent drying, the process was interrupted with 0.22 ± 0.02 d.b. and restarted after the tempering time. The increase of tempering time led to reductions in effective drying time, specific energy consumption, electrical conductivity and damage and increase in the drying rate and overall energy efficiency. Intermittent drying reduced the drying time, being 30.25% more efficient than continuous drying.

ABSTRACT. With the depletion of fossil fuel resources accelerating the search for renewable energy sources, studies on agricultural products containing a significant amount of oil in their compositions have intensified. The objective of this work was to investigate the fatty acid profile and the physiological quality of the oil extracted from niger seeds dried at different temperatures. The seeds were dried at 40, 50, 60, and 70°C, until their moisture content reached 8.5 ± 1% (wet basis). The physiological properties of niger seeds were determined by assessing their germination, germination speed index, mean germination time, cold test, accelerated aging with a saturated solution, emergence percentage, and emergence speed index. The quality of the oil was evaluated using gas chromatography, based on the fatty acid profile. We concluded that drying air temperatures of 40 and 50°C did not compromise the physiological quality of niger seeds. However, the 70°C drying temperature seriously impaired seed quality. The drying temperatures that were used in this study did not substantially alter the fatty acid profile of niger oil.

RESUMO: Atualmente uma alternativa alimentar que atende às demandas do consumidor moderno é o processamento industrial do feijão. Foi avaliada a adaptabilidade de oito cultivares de feijão ao processamento industrial. Os grãos foram processados em uma indústria do setor, utilizando-se embalagens metálicas com capacidade de 420 g, nas quais as amostras foram acondicionadas sem o emprego de hidratação prévia. O processo de cozimento e esterilização foi realizado em autoclave rotativa. No feijão enlatado foram então avaliados os parâmetros de qualidade. Como resultado, verificou-se que, na classe Carioca, o cultivar BRS Estilo diferencia-se dos demais, devido ao baixo peso drenado que contribuiu para o aumento de sólidos totais no caldo, com baixos valores de dureza, não se adaptando ao tipo de processo utilizado neste experimento. Na classe Preto, observaram-se características de qualidade semelhantes entre BRS Esplendor e IPR Uirapuru, e entre BRS Esteio e BRS Campeiro, destacando-se esta última por apresentar menores índices de grãos danificados após o processamento. Por fim, com as informações presentes neste trabalho pretende-se contribuir com pesquisas futuras sobre o tema e dessa forma incrementar o consumo do feijão e sua exportação na forma de produto processado.

ABSTRACT: A current alternative for meeting the modern consumer’s beans food demands is the industrial processing. This study evaluated the adaptability of eight Brazilian beans cultivars to industrial canning from commercial class cultivars of Carioca and of Black beans. The grains were processed in an industry sector using metallic cans with a capacity of 420 g, where the samples were conditioned without previous hydration. The cooking and sterilization process took place in a rotating autoclave. Quality parameters were evaluated in the canned beans. As a result, it was verified that, for the Carioca class, the Estilo cultivar differs from the rest of the genetic materials in terms of its low drained weight, which contributes to the increase in the total solids in the sauce, which have low hardness values. Estilo cultivar is not suitable for the type of processing used in this experiment. For the Black class, similar quality characteristics were observed between Esplendor and Uirapuru and between Esteio and Campeiro cultivars, where the latter stands out due to its lower damaged bean indices after processing. Finally, with the information present in this paper we intend to contribute to future researches on this subject and thereby increase the consumption and exportation of beans as processed product.

ABSTRACT Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a traditional food in the diet of Brazilians, due to its low fat content and it is rich in vitamins, protein, fiber, carbohydrates and minerals. One of the major problems related to this product is storage without temperature and humidity control, causing quality reduction of this legume. This study aimed to evaluate the effects suffered by cooking time parameters, seed coat color, phytate and minerals (P, Ca, Mg and Mn) content during storage. The grain varieties: BRS Madrepérola, BRS Estilo, BRS Pontal and CNFC 10467, from the pinto group, were stored in hermetic acrylic containers with humidity and temperature controlled for a period of 108 days. All varieties had better results of the parameters studied when they were stored under the condition of 15°C and 45% of RH. The grain stored in the condition of 27°C and 75% of humidity for 108 days showed Hard-to-cook characteristic effect. All minerals studied showed a strong correlation with the cooking time. CNFC 10467 and Madrepérola varieties are more similar, as the parameters examined.

RESUMO: O feijão destaca-se no cenário mundial como uma leguminosa rica em proteínas e com alto valor nutricional, sendo estando entre uma das espécies mais cultivadas em todo o mundo. Porém, observa-se diminuição do consumo deste alimento devido à demanda de tempo no seu preparo doméstico, sendo então substituído na dieta. Uma alternativa que atende as demandas do consumidor moderno é o processamento industrial. O objetivo deste trabalho é fornecer uma revisão de literatura abordando informações sobre o processamento tipo enlatado em feijão. Atualmente, no Brasil, são realizados poucos trabalhos dentro desta linha de pesquisa, visto que o maior enfoque é para a qualidade tecnológica dos grãos para o consumo tradicional, na forma seca. Neste material são apresentadas informações sobre alguns conceitos e detalhes do processamento industrial, das operações unitárias na produção e dos parâmetros de qualidade avaliados no feijão enlatado. Espera-se, contribuir com a cadeia produtiva do feijão brasileiro, aumentando o consumo e as demandas do processamento industrial, tanto em mercado interno quanto para futuras exportações do produto.

ABSTRACT: Beans are popular as a protein-filled legume of high nutritional value, being one of the most planted species in the world. However, recent years have seen a decrease in the consumption of beans, owing to the time necessary to cook it domestically. Thus, it is being replaced in people’s diets by other foods. An alternative preparation that supplies modern consumers’ demands is industrially processed beans. This article aimed to provide a literature review on the processing of canned beans. Few recent studies have been performed in Brazil on this subject, as most studies have focused instead on the technological quality of dry bean grains processing. In this article industrial processing concepts and features, production unit operations, and canned beans quality standards will be discussed. These efforts are expected to contribute to the Brazilian beans production chain, and consequently to increase consumption of canned beans and the demand for industrial processing of beans in both the domestic market and future product exports.

ABSTRACT: Soybean oil has many important components, but for its maintenance it is essential that there is an appropriate storage, temperature, relative humidity and optimum grain moisture content, because the oxidation reactions occur by improper storage, causing product deterioration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the main changes in the quality of soybean crude oil, from grain storage in temperature of 30°C and different relative humidity (59.6%, 67.0% and 76.0%). Soybean grains were packaged in plastic recipients, where saturated salt solutions were added so the grains reached the desired moisture. The analyses of moisture content, lipid, acidity index, color, antioxidant capacity, specific extension by absorption in the ultraviolet region were realized during storage for 180 days, because they indicate the degree of oil oxidation. A completely randomized design was conducted, and analysis of variance and Tukey test were performed. The storage time caused changes in physical-chemical properties of the grains, indicating that the oil was degraded over time.

S.R.M. Coelho, S.H. Prudencio, D. Christ, S.C. Sampaio, and V. Schoeninger. 2013. Physico-chemical characterization of common beans under natural and accelerated storage conditions. Cien. Inv. Agr. 40(3): 629-636. The common bean is an important food in the human diet. Certain storage conditions, high temperatures and high humidity, cause a texture defect that reduces the acceptability of common beans. The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of storage on the physicochemical properties of common bean grains and the relationship between accelerated aging at 40 °C and 76% RH and storage under natural conditions. Two varieties of common beans (Iapar 81 - carioca variety and Iapar 44 - black variety) were stored at 40 °C and 76% RH for 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 days to accelerate aging. The same varieties were stored under environmental conditions (natural aging) for 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. For both storage conditions of each variety, fresh beans stored at 5 °C were used as a control group. In all of the samples, hardness, pH, acidity and the soluble protein percentage were analyzed. Both storage processes, in the natural and accelerated conditions, caused an increase in acidity (4.0 to 5.9 and 3.2 to 6.4 g acetic acid kg-1) and a decrease in cellular pH (6.65 to 6.45 and 6.65 to 6.45) and protein solubility (77 to 54 and 76 to 38%). The greatest percentage changes in the parameters of acidity, pH and soluble proteins were observed in the beans in the accelerated aging condition. Beans' hardness during storage has a negative correlation with pH, which shows that it is a good indicator of grain quality. Natural storage for one year is equivalent to accelerated aging for 45 days at 40 °C and 76% RH.

S.R.M. Coelho, S.H. Prudencio, D. Christ, S.C. Sampaio y V. Schoeninger. 2013. Caracterización físico-química de los granos de frijol común en condiciones de almacenamiento natural y acelerada. Cien. Inv. Agr. 40(3): 629-636. El frijol es un alimento importante en la dieta humana, cuyas condiciones de almacenamiento de alta temperatura y humedad provocan un defecto textural que reduce la aceptabilidad del frijol. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar el efecto de los métodos de almacenamiento a las propiedades fisicoquímicas de los granos de frijol común y la relación entre la aceleración del envejecimiento a 40 °C y 76% humedad relativa (HR) y el almacenamiento en condiciones naturales. Se almacenaron dos variedades de frijol común (IAPAR 81 - carioca variedad y IAPAR 44 - la variedad negro) a 40 °C y 76% HR durante 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 días de envejecimiento acelerado. Las mismas variedades fueron almacenadas bajo condiciones ambientales (envejecimiento natural) durante 3, 6, 9 y 12 meses. Para ambas condiciones de almacenamiento de cada variedad, se almacenaron granos nuevos a 5 °C, los que se consideraron como control. En todas las muestras, se analizó dureza, pH, acidez y porcentaje de proteína soluble. En ambos almacenamientos se observó un aumento de la acidez (4.0 a 5.9 y 3.2 a 6.4 g de ácido acético kg-1) y una reducción del pH celular (6.65 a 6.45 y 6.65 a 6.45) y solubilidad de la proteína (77 a 54 y 76 a 38%), para las condiciones naturales y acelerada, respectivamente. Los mayores cambios en los parámetros del porcentaje de acidez, pH y proteínas solubles se observaron en el frijol en el envejecimiento acelerado. La dureza de los granos durante el almacenamiento tiene una correlación negativa con el pH, lo que señala que este es un buen indicador de la calidad del grano. El almacenamiento natural de frijol durante un año corresponde al envejecimiento acelerado de 45 días a 40° C y 76% humedad relativa.