Addition of toasted baru nut (Dypteryx alata Vog.) and extruded rice bran to sugar cane candy (“rapadura”)

Abstract Different proportions of sugar cane juice, toasted baru nut and extruded rice bran were used in the formulation of sugar cane candies (“rapaduras”), and the effect on color, hardness and proximate composition determined. The best formulation was selected on the basis of composition, hardness and luminosity, and evaluated for sensory acceptance and purchase intent. Simplex design was used to plan the experiment and the limits of the different ingredients. Sugar cane juice has lower values for ash, protein, lipids and total fiber compared to the other ingredients, but it is the ingredient that characterizes the product. The added ingredients affect the physical and chemical characteristics of the “rapaduras”. The hardness of the experimental “rapaduras” varied between 20 and 26.1 N, similar to the traditional product, while protein (from 3.28 to 5.9 g 100 g-1), lipids (from 3.87 to 7.67 g 100 g-1), and total dietary fiber (1.47 to 2.67 g 100 g-1), were above the values of the traditional product. Addition of 15 g 100 g -1of extruded rice bran and 10 g 100 g-1of toasted baru nut to 75 g 100 g -1 of sugar cane juice delivered a product with low microbiological risk and good sensory acceptance. The developed product with extruded rice bran and toasted baru nut has good technological potential, allied with sensory and nutritional advantages, and it can be an alternative to add value to rice by-product and nuts from areas of forest conservation.