Calcium biofortification of Rocha pears, tissues accumulation and physicochemical implications in fresh and heat-treated fruits

Low dietary intake of Ca in humans has been epidemiologically linked to various diseases, which can have serious health consequences over time. Accordingly, the development an agronomic itinerary for biofortification Rocha pears and assessment physicochemical deviations prompted this study. Two orchards with contrasting soil water characteristics were selected, characterized through orthophotomaping and, during fruits development, leaves sprayed twice Ca(NO3)2 (0.1, 0.3 0.6 kg ha?1) or CaCl2 (0.4, 0.8 1.6 ha?1), followed by pulverization only (first once 4 ha?1 then four times 8 ha?1). During net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration rates, instantaneous use efficiency, showed minor deviations, indicated that threshold toxicity was not surpassed. Calcium contents varied at harvesting average index between 47 %–63 % 24 %–59 each orchards. Besides, equatorial region all treatments (substantially treated samples) higher epidermal central regions. Fresh heat-treated (in a thermomix 90 °C, 10 min) biofortified revealed differences sensory acceptability did vary markedly. It is concluded that, although prevailing heterogeneous distribution fruit tissues, high indexes be prompt orchards, without substantial changes. used as strategy benefiting consumer’s health.