PERFIL DOS PRODUTORES E CARACTERIZAÇÃO DE FRUTOS DE PITAIA VERMELHA PRODUZIDOS NO SUL DE MINAS GERAIS

Abstract

The objective was to carry out a survey on the profile of the producers of pitaia and the physical-chemical characterization of the fruit of pitaia (Hylocereus costaricensis) in the south of Minas Gerais. For the characterization of the fruits, the samples of pitaias were collected in March 2020 in an orchard approximately 3.5 years old and planted in the 3 x 2 m spacing in the region of the city of Divisa Nova - MG. The following characteristics were evaluated: fruit length and diameter, fresh weight, number of fruits per plant, productivity, moisture, carbohydrates, ash, caloric value, quantification of lipids, proteins, minerals, vitamins, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. It was found that pitaia fruits had an average diameter of 83 mm and a mass of 422 g, with high humidity (85.5%), low carbohydrate content (9.9 g 100 g-1) and energy value (50 kcal 100 g-1). The fruits showed high levels of phenolic components and high antioxidant activity, and potassium was the main mineral component found in the pulp of pitaia fruits and vitamin C contents were not detected. The fruits showed high levels of phenolic components and high antioxidant activity. For the evaluation of the producers of pitaia, exploratory research and the application of structured questionnaires to the producers were used. Regarding the profile of producers, it was observed that most of the producers of pitaia (71%) are classified as small producers and family farmers. The age group of 64% of producers is up to 40 years old, with a high level of education and instruction by Brazilian standards. With regard to property, 88.2% are owners and residents together with their families. The main means of training and information are: internet (61%), television (14%) and technical assistance and magazine (7%). For 92.3% of the interviewed producers, their entry into the pitaia branch was aimed at diversifying activities and increasing income. For commercialization (19%) it makes use of direct sales (door-to-door), (19%) supermarket chain, (16%) CEASAS and (13%) open market. When asked about the need for information, (25%) believed that they felt the need for information and technical assistance related to cultivation techniques and the management and control of pests and diseases, (18%) about the means of marketing their products, (14%) soil analysis and fertilization and (10%) on the management of your business. It concludes that the dragon fruit producers need more media, from production to the marketing of products. As for the fruit of the red pitaya, they should be consumed in a balanced diet, and can contribute positively to a healthy diet.