Quality pattern evaluation of frozen soursop pulps: an assessment based on chemical composition and chemometric analysis

In the present study, the physicochemical properties and mineral composition of commercially-frozen soursop pulps from the southern region of the state of Bahia, Brazil, were evaluated. The physicochemical parameters such as soluble solids (degrees Brix), acidity and pH were determined according to reference methodologies. For mineral composition evaluation, samples were digested in a closed microwave system and the elements K, P, S, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn were quantified through inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). Soluble solids content ranged from 4.77 to 15.37 degrees Brix among the different brands of analyzed frozen pulps. Titratable acidity (equivalent to citric acid) and pH ranged from 0.49 to 1.00 and 3.61 to 4.57, respectively. Some samples presented irregularities in regard to quality pattern established in the Brazilian legislation. The following range of concentration, in mu g g(-1), were found for essential elements: K (544-1761), P (44.3-139), S (71.8-174), Ca (24.3-77.0), Mg (47.2-132), Fe (1.40-4.05), Mn (0.32-1.22), Cu (0.30-0.88) and Zn (0.36-0.84). The use of principal component analysis (PCA) enabled a more in-depth data analysis, performing correlations between different variables and frozen pulp brands.