Evaluation of a carbonation process for coconut water (Cocus nucifera L.)

A agua de coco verde (Cocus nucifera L.) e bem conhecida por suas propriedades nutritivas, hidratantes e de baixos teores de gordura. Outra bebida com grande participacao no mercado de bebidas no Brasil e o refrigerante, bebida contendo dioxido de carbono (CO2) na sua formulacao. A adicao de CO2 proporciona maior vida e refrescancia para a bebida, alem de contribuir para uma alimentacao mais segura, inibindo o desenvolvimento de microrganismos aerobios. O objetivo deste estudo foi o desenvolvimento de uma bebida carbonatada a base de agua de coco verde e avaliacao do processo de carbonatacao dessa bebida. Diferentes formulacoes foram avaliadas sensorialmente, fixando-se inicialmente o pH em 4,4 e variando-se o volume de carbonatacao e o valor de solidos soluveis (0Brix). A bebida formulada foi clarificada, pasteurizada (90 °C/30s), resfriada, carbonatada e envasada em garrafas de polietileno tereftalato (PET) e armazenadas a temperatura ambiente. Para o processo de clarificacao e carbonatacao, avaliou-se diferentes tipos filtros e de carbonatadores. A bebida carbonatada foi avaliada atraves de analises fisico-quimica, microbiologica e sensorial pos processo e durante a estocagem. Quando a agua de coco carbonatada possuia volume de carbonatacao entre 4,1 a 4,3, 60% dos consumidores consideraram a quantidade de solidos soluveis de 8,2 como ideal de docura e 38,87% preferiram 7,2 oBrix. O processo de carbonatacao criou um ambiente seletivo para microrganismos na agua de coco carbonatada. O baixo pH e o ambiente de baixa tensao de oxigenio favoreceu o crescimento de leveduras e bacterias lacticas. Os resultados desta pesquisa sugeriram que o oxigenio atua fortemente sobre as alteracoes na cor da agua de coco in natura, pasteurizada e carbonatada, e em alguns casos aparecendo cor ligeiramente rosada e/ou marromThe coconut water (Cocus nucifera L.) is well known for its nutritional properties, high hydrating power and low fat levels. Another beverage with great participation in soft drinks market is the carbonated soft drinks, which is a traditional drink containing carbon dioxide (CO2) in its formulation. The addition of CO2 provides more life and greater refreshing to the beverage, besides contributing to a safer food, and inhibiting the development of aerobic microorganisms. The objective of this study was the development of a soft drink based on coconut water and the evaluation of process for the carbonation of coconut water and its shelf life study. Different formulations were sensory evaluated. The coconut water was standardized to pH 4,4 and settled the range of volume carbonation and soluble solids. The drink formulated was clarified, pasteurized (90°C/30s), cooled, carbonated and bottled in plastic bottles (PET) and stored at room temperature. Before heat processing clarification filters were tested and after this two carbonation equipments were tested and evaluated. The shelf life was followed by physicalchemical, microbiological and sensorial analysis. When the formulation of coconut water presented carbonation between 4.1 to 4.3, 60% of consumers considered the amount of soluble solids of 8.2 oBrix as ideal for sweetness but 38.87% preferred 7.2. The process of carbonation created a selective environment for microorganisms. Also the low pH and the environment of low oxygen tension favored the growth of yeasts and lactic bacteria. The growth of lactic acid bacteria in coconut water was favored by the nutrient-rich medium such as amino nitrogen. It was observed that oxygen acted strongly on the appearance of coconut water, both in nature, pasteurized, and carbonated, forming pink or brown color