Use of the Endogenous Resources of the Palestine Settlement, Cravolândia-BA: The Potentials of Quixabeira (Sideroxylon obtusifolium [Humb. ex Roem. & Schult.] T.D. Penn.)

Abstract

The persistence of poverty in semiarid regions resides, among other difficulties and limitations, in the inability to use its endogenous elements in a rational way. Thus, this article aimed to investigate the content of total phenolic compounds in the pulp and residues of quixaba fruits (Sideroxylon obtusifolium) in ethanol extracts and evaluate properties (pH, acidity and soluble solids) essential to the fermentation process with a view to developing products for school meals and also low-alcohol beverages capable of generating income for the local population from the use of an endogenous resource available in the legal reserve areas of the Palestine Settlement located in the municipality of Cravolândia, Bahia. In addition to documentary studies, the chemical characterization of quixaba fruits was carried out. An analysis of all parts of the quixaba fruit, in terms of total soluble solids content, pH and acidity, indicates potential for its agro-industrial processing. In addition, the high ° Brix indicates that the pulp has sugar levels that make it ideal for flavoring yogurts that can be offered at school lunches. The phenolic compounds present in different parts of the quixaba indicated a possible antioxidant potential. Even though the use of quixaba is currently neglected, it is possible to use it agro-industrially.