Analysis of the Sensory Profile and Physical and Physicochemical Characteristics of Amazonian Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Beans Produced in Different Regions

Abstract

The cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao L.) has seeds that after processing become a valuable agricultural commodity in the world. In Brazil, the state of Pará located in the Eastern Amazon is the main producer, accounting for more than 53% of the national production. Although the region is the largest producer, no studies are found in the literature containing data on the sensory quality of the beans. Thus, the purpose of this study is to establish the sensory profile of Amazonian cocoa from the main cocoa-producing regions of the Eastern Amazon (Lower Tocantins River, Northeast, West, Southeast and Trans-Amazon). The sensory profile was established from the Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA), in addition to using an affective test to verify consumer preference for the chocolates produced. Physical, physicochemical and bioactive compound evaluations were carried out. Beans from different regions had a similar sensory profile; however, it was possible to observe some differences in certain descriptor terms. In the physical evaluation, the samples presented an acceptable commercial standard, and the humidity was within the values established by the legislation. It was found that the post-harvest and/or processing parameters had no influence on the quality attributes of cocoa beans.