Effect of post-harvest processing on the chemical and sensory characteristics of coffees from Chapada de Minas region
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70597/vozes.v14i29.1353Keywords:
Sensory Analysis, Arabica Coffee, Fermentation, Coffee processingAbstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of four different postharvest processing methods on the chemical and sensory characteristics of Arabica coffees from the Chapada de Minas region. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four processing methods and four replicates, yielding 16 trials. The processing methods were: natural; semi-humid; self-induced anaerobic fermentation (SIAF) without hulls (wet); and SIAF with hulls. The coffees processed by all treatments were classified by a Q-Grader and subjected to a medium roast. Carbohydrate and organic acid analyses were performed for the green coffees obtained by the different treatments. Sensory analysis was also performed using a Q-Grader, the hedonic scale, the attitude scale, and the CATA acceptance method. All coffees obtained by the different treatments were considered specialty coffees. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the concentrations of organic acids and sugars of coffees obtained by the different trials. Coffee from the SIAF treatment with husks was the most acceptable among tasters for appearance and smell (~7.0) and also received the highest score from the Q-Grader (85.5 points). This study demonstrates that post-harvest coffee processing can influence the beverage's sensory properties, as perceived by untrained consumers. However, further studies on the microorganisms involved in these processes, as well as the volatile compounds they produce, are still needed to better understand the effects of post-harvest treatments on the quality of the final product.
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