Physicochemical and sensory analysis of craft beer made with soursop (Annona muricata L.)

Owing to the scarcity of studies related to the use of soursop (Annona muricata L.) in the elaboration of craft beers, this study aimed to elaborate a soursop fruit beer using an artisanal method.

To determine the most favorable moment for the inclusion of the fruit, the soursop pulp was added experimentally in three stages of the process: during the boiling of the wort (C01); on the 3rd day of fermentation (C02); during carbonation, with the use of soursop extract (C03). These treatments were submitted to a preliminary sensory evaluation and C02 was considered the best beer with regards to taste, color, aroma, formation and persistence of the head and clarity. Thus, C02 was evaluated with regards to its physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics.

The soursop fruit beer had the following characteristics: density of 1,012; pH 3.62; SSC 6.5oBrix, alcohol content 4.3 ABV; bitterness 39.3 IBU; and color 7.15 EBC. The centesimal analysis indicated the following amounts: ash 0.2 g/100 g, lipids 0.02 g/100 g, proteins 0.14 g/100 g and, among minerals, Ca and Na predominated in the beverage. The attributes evaluated in the sensory analysis showed an acceptability index greater than 70%, and 74% of the tasters indicated that they would probably buy the beer.

It was possible to produce a fruit beer with the addition of soursop pulp during fermentation which ensured the permanence of the sensory characteristics of the fruit.