Pre-harvest factors related to sensory profile of Passiflora setacea nectars, a wild passion fruit from Brazilian savannah.

BACKGROUND: Passiflora setacea DC. is a passion fruit species native from Brazilian savannah characterized by naturally sweet sensory characteristics. The sensory quality of the pulp can be affected by the growing environment. The effect of training systems (trellis or espalier), seasons (the weather conditions in periods of drought and rain) and addition of seeds to the juice (25%) were evaluated, with emphasis on the sensory quality of P. setacea nectars. RESULTS: Training systems of P. setacea plantation did not influence flavor or aroma of nectars. Season had an effect on texture attributes. Although training system and season had impact on pH, total soluble solid (TSS) content, titratable acidity (TA), polyphenolics and condensed tannins content, these environment factors had no influence on acceptance. Seeds addition had a negative effect on overall liking. Frequency of consumption of passion fruit and functional food did not influence nectar preference whereas being neophilic or having higher level of knowledge about functional foods favored greater acceptance of P. setacea nectars. CONCLUSION: Passiflora setacea nectar is a potential functional beverage, due its bioactive contents. Training system and season had no influence on acceptance as isolated factors. However, there was an interaction between these factors, which could be considered to market projection, as well as the addition of seeds. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.