Farinhas de resíduos de frutas irradiadas: Estabilidade, funcionalidade e perspectivas para a indústria de alimentos
Farinhas de resíduos de frutas irradiadas: Estabilidade, funcionalidade e perspectivas para a indústria de alimentos
-
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.479142606015
-
Palavras-chave: irradiação ionizante; resíduos agroindustriais; farinha de frutas; pitaya vermelha; compostos bioativos; segurança microbiológica; economia circular.
-
Keywords: ionizing radiation; agro-industrial by-products; fruit flour; red pitaya; bioactive compounds; microbiological safety; circular economy.
-
Abstract: The agro-industrial processing of fruits generates substantial volumes of by-products, such as peels, seeds, and pomaces, which, although frequently discarded, constitute rich sources of dietary fiber, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and bioactive pigments such as betalains. The transformation of these residues into flours represents a strategy aligned with circular economy principles and with high potential for the development of high-value functional ingredients. This chapter analyzes the role of ionizing radiation as a non-thermal processing technology applied to the production and stabilization of flours obtained from fruit by-products, with emphasis on red pitaya (Hylocereus costaricensis) peel flour as an experimental model. The effects of irradiation, at doses ranging from 1 to 20 kGy, on the physicochemical characteristics (color, water activity, particle size), microstructure (crystallinity, porosity, cell wall integrity), bioactive compound profile (betalains, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity), and techno-functional properties (water and oil absorption capacity, solubility) of these flours are discussed. Additionally, microbiological safety aspects are addressed, highlighting the efficacy of irradiation in reducing pathogens such as Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes, as well as the current regulatory framework in Brazil (ANVISA RDC No. 21/2001) and internationally (Codex Alimentarius). The evidence consolidated in the literature indicates that moderate irradiation doses (1 to 10 kGy) are capable of promoting microbiological decontamination and favorably modulating the functional properties of these flours without significant impairment of their bioactive compounds, positioning ionizing radiation as a strategic tool for the valorization of agro-industrial by-products and the development of innovative ingredients for the food industry.
- Luz Mérida Rondán Flores
- João Pedro Alves de Azevedo Barros
- Anna Lucia Casañas Haasis Villavicencio