OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the acceptability of flakes since this product can be an alternative in the fight against hypovitaminosis A. METHODS: The flakes were evaluated through analyses of coliforms at 45ºC, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonela sp; counting of yeasts and molds; analysis of moisture, proteins, lipids, ash, dietary fibers, carbohydrates and carotenoids; storage stability; and acceptability of flakes added to beans and "pirão" (a widely consumed Brazilian dish consisting of meat and vegetable broth and cassava flour) by 188 adults and 67 children. RESULTS: The microbiological and physical-chemical characteristics of the flakes were adequate and the acceptability percentages were 95.21% for adults and 95.52% for children. CONCLUSION: Dehydrated pumpkin flakes can be used in large scale to determine its effectiveness in the fight against hypovitaminosis A.
sensorial analysis; carotenoids; dehydrated pumpkin flakes; hypovitaminosis A
