The development of healthy products, easy to transport and consume, is a growing need. This study's main objective was to analyze the dietary fiber in fruit and vegetables IV and V range using specific analytical methodologies. Fruit and vegetable pulps (V range) were used, as well as minimally processed carrot (IV range) subjected to different pre-treatments : heat treatment, UV radiation, ripping and their combinations - followed or not by storage at 5°C for 7 days. The pulps with pear base proved to be considerably richer in dietary fiber than the apple pulps. These results are due to higher pear dietary fiber content and the high percentage of this fruit in the composition of that type of pulps, reinforced by the presence of vegetables like beets. Concerning minimally processed carrot, the immediate effect of applying singular or combined abiotic treatments on total dietary fiber content was not evident. However, the insoluble component increased considerably, probably due to the lignification process. Unlike, the content of soluble fiber registered a large decreased. These results show that, overall, the minimum processing applied to carrot does not affect the dietary fiber content, leading however to a change in fiber composition, which does not compromise its nutritional value, becoming probably more effective in regulating intestinal transit.

Mestrado em Engenharia Alimentar - Instituto Superior de Agronomia