Physical and chemical characteristics of xiquexique pulps

Abstract

Pulp yield, ashes, pH, ascorbic acid, total solids, insoluble solids and soluble solids of stems and branches of Pilosocereus gounellei were evaluated. The pulps of central and vascular cylinder were studied. The pulp of vascular cylinder is sited between the central cylinder and the peel. Stems and branches materials were obtained from four types of samples. The pulp yield was determined by the relationship between the pulp weight and central cylinder weight or vascular cylinder weight. Soluble solids (degrees Brix), pH, insoluble solids, total solids and ashes were determined by the Adolfo Lutz Institute (1985) methods. The obtained data were submitted to statistical analysis using a completely randomized design with comparison among averages by the Tukey test at 5% of probability. The pulps presented lightly acid, with the pH and total solids values of cylinder pulp higher than vascular cylinders. The ashes content were higher in the extracted stems samples. The central cylinder of the stems presented higher values of soluble solids than the other samples, being the most appropriate for production of flours. The samples presented low content of ascorbic acid.