Juçara Pulp Drum Drying: an Alternative Technology for Value Chain Expansion

Juçara ( Euterpe edulis Martius) is a native Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest palm tree that is commonly found in small farming communities located in well-preserved forest remnants. Although juçara is a seasonal and highly perishable fruit, requiring freezing temperatures for storage, drying presents a viable alternative to avoid the cold chain. This study evaluated the effectiveness of drum drying for juçara pulp under three conditions: (1) without carrier agents, (2) with 5% (dry basis) corn starch, and (3) with 10% (dry basis) organic rice flour. The dried juçara pulp was analyzed for its chemical composition and bioactive properties. Drum drying of juçara pulp is viable with or without the use of carrier agents., resulting in juçara flakes with a moisture content of 2.3–3.5% (wet basis). While juçara flakes maintained the same total phenolic content as the fresh pulp (p > 0.05), anthocyanin levels and antioxidant capacity were slightly reduced (p > 0.05). Despite the need for further stability analysis, the product prepared without carrier agents emerged as a promising option for producing 100% juçara pulp flakes.