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Thermal condition of mate (Ilex paraguariensis) processing

Análise das condições térmicas do processamento da erva-mate

ABSTRACT:

The Ilex paraguariensis is a species native to Brazil, Paraguay and Argentine, valued by its positive effects on human health. Mate processing consists of the following stages: pre-drying (rapid drying at high temperature, known as sapeco operation), drying, and milling. In order to verify the current process and to propose future improvements to the mate processing, thermal and mass balance analysis were applied to industrial mate processing units. Results showed that the consumption of energy in sapeco and drying operations exceeds the calorific input necessary for these operations. These results verify the need for a change in the management of temperatures in the sapeco and drying stages of mate processing in order to optimize the consumption of energy, resulting in lower costs, with positive effects on the quality of the mate products.

Key words:
mate; Ilex paraguariensis; processing; mass balance; temperature.

RESUMO:

A Ilex paraguariensis é uma espécie nativa do Brasil, Paraguai e Argentina, valorizada por seus efeitos positivos na saúde humana. O processamento do mate consiste nas seguintes etapas: pré-secagem (secagem rápida em alta temperatura, conhecida como operação de sapeco), secagem e moagem. A fim de verificar o atual processo e propor melhorias futuras no processamento de mate, foram aplicadas análises térmicas e de balanço de massa em unidades industriais de processamento de mate. Os resultados mostraram que o consumo de energia nas operações de sapeco e secagem supera o aporte calorífico necessário para essas operações. Esses resultados comprovam a necessidade de uma mudança no gerenciamento das temperaturas nas etapas de sapeco e secagem do processamento da erva-mate, a fim de otimizar o consumo de energia, resultando em menores custos, com efeitos positivos na qualidade dos produtos da erva-mate.

Palavras-chave:
mate; Ilex paraguariensis; processamento; balanço de massa; temperatura.

INTRODUCTION:

Ilex paraguariensis or mate is an arboreal plant and an ombrophile, belonging to the family Aquifoliaceae and the genus Ilex (RESENDE et al., 2000RESENDE, M. D. V. et al. Programa de melhoramento da erva-mate coordenado pela EMBRAPA - resultados da avaliação genética de populações, progênies, indivíduos e clones. Radial: Embrapa florestas, circular técnica v.43, Colombo, 67p., 2000.; MOLINA & MOLINA, 2004MOLINA, J. E.; MOLINA, J. E. El mate arte y tracción. Ed. Eguiguren e Veja, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 72p, 2004.; OMAR, 2009OMAR, D. Erva-mate: sistema de produção e processamento industrial. Dourados, MS. Ed. Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, 2009, 288 p.). Today mate, yerba-mate or mate are common names used for the plant, as well as the product comprising exclusively the leaves and stems of I. paraguariensis. The production of mate uses management systems of natural and cultivated populations, the main producing and consuming countries being Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. In Brazil, its cultivation extends through the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul. In these states mate occupies a position of considerable social, economic and cultural importance since it is commercialized by small farmers (VIDOR et al., 2002VIDOR, M. A. et al. Molecular markers in erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil) characterization studies: the taste. Ciência Rural, v.32, n.8, 2002. Available from: <Available from: https://www.scielo.br/j/cr/a/djjmTHx9J76csNS8gHC5CMv >. Accessed: Nov. 06, 2016. doi: 10.1590/S0103-84782002000300008.
https://www.scielo.br/j/cr/a/djjmTHx9J76...
; ANTONIAZZI et al., 2018ANTONIAZZI, M. S. et al. Análise da cultura da erva-mate como alternativa social, econômica e ambiental para comunidades rurais. Revista Extensão em Foco, n.15. p.118-119, 2018. Available from: <Available from: https://revistas.ufpr.br/extensao/article/view/54494/pdf >. Accessed: Jul. 11, 2019. doi: 105380/ef.vli.15.54494.
https://revistas.ufpr.br/extensao/articl...
).

The mate industry has benefited from the preparation of several types of drinks (ESMELINDRO et al., 2002ESMELINDRO, M. C. et al. Caracterização físico-química da yerba-mate: influência das etapas do processamento industrial. Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos, v.22, p.199-204, 2002. Available from: <Available from: https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/vzhPDmJ9ghm5pxbHMZTPnbN/ >. Accessed: Jan. 22, 2016. doi: 10.1590/S0101-20612002000200016.
https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/vzhPDmJ9gh...
; SOUZA & LORENZI, 2005SOUZA, V. C.; LORENZI, H. Botânica sistemática: guia ilustrado, baseado em APG II, Nova Odessa, SP: Instituto Plantarum. 2005.). Besides this application, mate has the property of being a central nervous system stimulant, attributed to the contents of methylxanthinic alkaloids, such as caffeine, also being known to contain compounds with antioxidant properties, such as phenolic acids (FILIP et al., 2000FILIP, R. et al. Antioxidant activity of the Ilex paraguariensis and related species. Nutrition Research, v.20, p.1437-1446, 2000. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0271-5317(00)80024-X >. Accessed: Mar. 06, 2016. doi: 10.1016/S0271-5317(00)80024-X.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0271-5317(00)80...
; BRACESCO et al., 2003BRACESCO, N. et al. Antioxidant activity of a botanical extract preparation of Ilex paraguariensis: prevention of DNA double strand breaks in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and human low-density lipoprotein oxidation. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, v.9, p.379-387, 2003. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1089/107555303765551606 >. Accessed: Oct. 20, 2016. doi: 10.1089/107555303765551606.
https://doi.org/10.1089/1075553037655516...
; BRAVO et al., 2007BRAVO, L. et al. LC/MS characterization of phenolic constituents of mate (Ilex paraguariensis, St. Hil.) and its antioxidant activity compared to commonly consumed beverages. Food Research International, v.40, p.393-405, 2007. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2006.10.016 >. Accessed: Feb. 25, 2016. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2006.10.016.
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; DELADINO et al., 2008DELADINO, L. P. S. et al. Encapsulation of natural antioxidants extracted from Ilex paraguariensis. Carbohydrate Polymers, v.71, p.126-134, 2008. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2007.05.030 >. Accessed: Jan. 22, 2016. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2007.05.030.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2007.0...
; MACHADO et al., 2012MACHADO, B. A. S.; et al. Development and evaluation of the effectiveness of biodegradable films of cassava starch with nanocelulose as reinforcement and yerva mate extract as an additive antioxidant. Ciência Rural, v.42, p.2085-2091, 2012. Available from: <Available from: https://www.scielo.br/j/cr/a/8cwRXSq4yY8JfZRxVrZbkHP/abstract/?lang=pt >. Accessed: Jun. 15, 2016. doi: 10.1590/S0103-84782012001100028.
https://www.scielo.br/j/cr/a/8cwRXSq4yY8...
; CHEMINET et al., 2021CHEMINET, G. et al. Antioxidant properties and phenolic composition of “Composed Yerba Mate”. Journal Food Science Technology, v.58, p.4711-4721, 2021. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-020-04961-x >. Accessed: Dec. 04, 2021. doi: 10.1007/s13197-020-04961-x.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-020-04961...
). Other effects of mate have been reported, in order to explain its popular usage, for instance, hepatoprotector, choleretic, diuretic, hypocholesterolemic, anti-rheumatic, anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity and anti-aging (GORZALCZANY et al., 2001GORZALCZANY, S. et al. Choleretic effect and intestinal propulsion of “mate” (Ilex paraguariensis) and its substitutes or adulterants. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, v.75, p.291-294., 2001. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/ 10.1016/s0378-8741(01)00179-9 >. Accessed: Jan. 06, 2016. doi: 10.1016/s0378-8741(01)00179-9.
https://doi.org/ 10.1016/s0378-8741(01)0...
; SCHINELLA et al., 2005SCHINELLA, A. G. et al. Cardioprotective effects of Ilex paraguariensis extract: evidence for a nitric oxide-dependent mechanism. Clinical Nutrition, v.24, p.360-366, 2005. Available from: <Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15869828 >. Accessed: Jun. 11, 2016. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2004.11.013.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15869828...
; MENDES & CARLINI, 2007MENDES, R. F; CARLINI, E. A. Plants as possible adaptogens: An ethno pharmacological survey of books edited in Brazil. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, v.109, p.493-500, 2007. Available from: <Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17030478 >. Accessed: Jan. 08, 2019. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2006.08.024.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17030478...
; PANG et al., 2008PANG, J. et al. Ilex paraguariensis extract ameliorates obesity induced by high-fat diet: Potential role of AMPK in the visceral adipose tissue. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophycs, v.476, p.178-185, 2008. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abb.2008.02.019 >. Accessed: Mar. 12, 2016. doi: 10.1016/j.abb.2008.02.019.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abb.2008.02.01...
; SILVA et al., 2008SILVA, E. L. et al. Acute ingestion of yerba mate infusion (Ilex paraguariensis) inhibits plasma and lipoprotein oxidation. Food Research International, v.41, p.973-97, 2008. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2008.08.004 >. Accessed: Jan. 10, 2016. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2008.08.004.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2008.0...
; PIOVEZAN-BORGES, 2016PIOVEZAN-BORGES, A. C.; et al. Antioxidant potential of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) extracts in Saccharomyces cerevisae deficient in oxidant defense genes. Brazilian Journal of Biology, v.76, n.2, p.539-544, 2016. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.01115 >. Accessed: Dec. 20, 2016. doi: 10.1590/1519-6984.01115.
https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.01115...
; ALVES et al., 2020ALVES, C. B. et al., O. Correlation of polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity of selected teas and tisanes from Brazilian market. Brazilian Journal of Food Technology, v.23, e2020036, 2020. Available from: <Available from: https://www.scielo.br/j/bjft/a/FsB3cHgB3Tr3z3KjGTvHdLG/?format=pdf⟨=en >. Accessed: Nov. 19, 2021. doi: 10.1590/1981-6723.03620.
https://www.scielo.br/j/bjft/a/FsB3cHgB3...
). A growing number of publications on the functional properties of mate, through research carried out in the producing regions, and in developed countries, recommend the consumption of products derived from mate, widening the interest in other applications, such as medicines and cosmetics (GORZALCZANY et al., 2001; LUNCEFORD & GUGLIUCCI, 2005LUNCEFORD, N.; GUGLIUCCI, A. Ilex paraguariensis extracts inhibit AGE formation more efficiently than green tea. Fitoterapia, v.76, p.419- 427, 2005. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2005.03.021 >. Accessed: Feb. 05, 2016. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2005.03.021
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2005.03...
; SCHERER et al., 2006SCHERER, R. et al. Saponin content and quality-related traits of mass-selected yerba-maté (Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil.) trees. Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants, v.12, p.73-85, 2006. Available from: <Available from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J044v12n01_07 >. Accessed: Apr. 23, 2016. doi: 10.1300/J044v12n01_07.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1...
; HECK & MEJIA, 2007HECK, C. I.; MEJIA, E. G. Yerba Mate Tea (Ilex paraguariensis): A comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Health Implications, and Technological Considerations. Journal of Food Science, v.72, p.138-151, 2007. Available from: <Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18034743 >. Accessed: Feb. 26, 2016. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2007.00535.x.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18034743...
; MENDES & CARLINI, 2007). However, despite the growing consumption of mate and interest from the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, spread through investigations on the properties of this plant, the technological resources used in the industrialization of mate have been limited (Figure 1). As a consequence of this, it can be verified that there is a need to implement control of the production processes making them more efficient, reducing the exposure of the leaves to the smoke and also to the high heating temperatures which generate toxic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (CAMARGO & TOLEDO, 2002CAMARGO, M. C. R.; TOLEDO, M. C. F. Chá-mate e café como fontes de hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos (HPAs) na dieta da população de campinas. Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos, v.22, p.49-53, 2002. Available from: <Available from: https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/znGx9JCwJHRxNGp7bFNc7XH/ >. Accessed: Nov. 01, 2016. doi: 10.1590/S0101-20612002000100009.
https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/znGx9JCwJH...
; ZUIN et al., 2005ZUIN, V. G. et al. Stir bar sorptive extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Mate teas. Journal of Chromatography., v.1091, p.2-10. 2005. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.chroma.2005.07.057 >. Accessed: Oct. 28, 2016. doi: 10.1016/j.chroma.2005.07.057.
https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.chroma.2005.0...
; VIEIRA et al., 2010VIEIRA, M. A. et al. Occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons throughout the processing stages of erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis). Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A, v.27, p.776-782, 2010. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/ 10.1080/19440041003587310 >. Accessed: Jan. 14, 2016. doi: 10.1080/19440041003587310.
https://doi.org/ 10.1080/194400410035873...
).

Figure 1
Flowchart of the main stages of the mate industrialization process. Adapted from Valduga (1995).

No studies have been published to date describing the thermal map of the various stages of mate processing, which demonstrated the need for future studies and a bettering of the processes and energy saving. Thus, there is still a need for improvement in relation to the quality of the traditional products based on mate, since the processes of production and industrialization have evolved little and the quality attributes of the products must be evaluated. Improvements in the process, from sapeco to drying, can contribute to the safety of the final product, avoiding the formation of chemically undesirable compounds, such as: naphthalen, phenanthrene, benzo8#91;g,h,i8#93;pyrylene, fluoranthene, anthracene, benzo8#91;a8#93;pyrene, acenaphthene, benzo8#91;k8#93;fluoranthene, pyrene, dibenzo8#91;a,h8#93;anthracene, acenaphthylene, benzo8#91;b8#93;fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo8#91;a8#93;anthracene, fluorene, indene 8#91;1,2,3-c,d8#93;pyrene (considered as carcinogenic compounds) (VIEIRA et al., 2008VIEIRA, M. A. et al. Chemical characterization of candy made of erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil.) residue. Journal of Agricultural andFood Chemistry , v.56, p.4637-4642, 2008. Available from: <Available from: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jf8011085 >. Accessed: Mar. 21, 2016. doi: 10.1021/jf8011085
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jf80110...
), collaborating to widening the spectrum of mate use, considering its proven medical properties. Success in improving the quality may lead to an increase in the demand for mate and in the added value of the product (BERTONI et al., 1992BERTONI, M. H. et al. Fresh leaves of Ilex paraguariensis Saint Hil. In. Effect of different stages of the traditional process for yerba mate production on the composition of fresh leaves. Buenos Aires. Anales De La Asociación Química Argentina, Buenos Aires, v.80, p.493-501, 1992.).

The consumption of mate on the market has progressively evolved; however, the product is commercially and industrially limited. The best possibilities for broadening the market seem to be offered by the modernization of the production, where technological adaptation and optimization of the processes are fundamental, besides the diversification of the products offered (CAMPOS et al., 1996CAMPOS, M. A. et al. The total reactive antioxidant potential (TRAP) and total antioxidant reactivity (TAR) of Ilex paraguariensis extracts and red wine. Journal of Brazilian Chemistry Society, v.7, p.43-49, 1996. Available from: <Available from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1076/phbi.35.4.288.13303 >. Accessed: Jun. 13, 2016. doi: 10.1076/phbi.35.4.288.13303.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1...
; VIEIRA et al., 2008VIEIRA, M. A. et al. Chemical characterization of candy made of erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil.) residue. Journal of Agricultural andFood Chemistry , v.56, p.4637-4642, 2008. Available from: <Available from: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jf8011085 >. Accessed: Mar. 21, 2016. doi: 10.1021/jf8011085
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jf80110...
; MURAKAMI et al., 2011MURAKAMI et al. Concentration of phenolic compounds in aqueous mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil) extract through nanofiltration. LWT-Food Science and Technology, v.44, p.2211-2216, 2011. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2011.06.002 >. Accessed: Mar. 02, 2016. doi: 10.1016/j.lwt.2011.06.002.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2011.06.00...
; BOAVENTURA et al., 2015BOAVENTURA, B. C. B. et al. Effect of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensisA. St. Hil.) infusion obtained by freeze concentration technology on antioxidant status of healthy individuals. LWT-Food Science and Technology, v.62, p.948-954, 2015 Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2015.02.028 >. Accessed: Jan. 11, 2017. doi: 10.1016/j.lwt.2015.02.028.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2015.02.02...
). With the aim of monitoring the processing and defining the thermal map during the mate production, this study described the mate processing, including the thermal analysis of conventional processes of sapeco and drying and the establishment of a simplified energy balance for the production of mate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Descriptions of the installations and thermal balance of mate processing

The exploratory-descriptive research was based on data collected in the town of Catanduvas located in the mid-western region of Santa Catarina State, through the collection of data related to the different stages involved in mate processing.

From the literature survey and field research (visits to four mate processing units located in the municipality of Catanduvas), carried out with around 10 collaborators, 10 coordinators and 5 processing unit owners, the data related to the stages involved in the mate processing were obtained. The power consumed in the sapeco and drying was calculated from the information of the processors, regarding the consumption of firewood to mate drying and sapeco steps. According to the properties of the wood used (low calorific power of pine in kJ/kg of firewood), calculated from the density of the firewood, the power consumed was determined.

Evaluation of temperature of mate processing

The evaluation of temperatures of mate processing was carried out at 15 points on the equipment (sapecador and dryer), at two mate processing units, with the use of an infrared thermometer (Raytek, model PhotoTemp MX6, temperature range from -30 to 900 oC, with the emissivity regulated in the equipment software, adjusted to the required measurements (Ɛ 0.80), with three measurements carried out at each point, keeping the equipment accuracy at 0.75%, spectral range in 1 a 1000 µm. The points monitored at the installations studied are shown in figure 2 (1-15).

Figure 2
Temperature monitoring points in the mate processing stages (1 - internal wall of sapecador furnace; 2 - external wall of sapecador furnace; 3 - sapecador flame temperature; 4 - External wall of drum next to furnace; 5 - middle of external wall of drum; 6 - near end of external wall of drum; 7 - separator lid; 8 - mate at exit of sapecador; 9 - internal wall of drier furnace; 10 - external wall of drier furnace; 11 - drier flame temperature; 12 - external wall of drum next to drier furnace; 13 - middle of external wall of drum drier; 14 - near end of external wall of drum; 15 - separator l.

Thermography

In order to evaluate the thermal environment to which the mate leaves are subjected thermographic images were used, taken with a thermographic camera (ThermoCam S 65 - Flir Systems, calibrated for up to 1500 oC), of the furnaces of two mate processing units. The temperature was monitored through the hot extremities of the objects (metal plate) inside the furnace, subject to the same radiation and convection to which the leaves are submitted.

Moisture determination

Moisture of mate leaves was determined by drying to constant weight at 105ºC (AOAC, 2005ASSOCIATION OF OFFICIAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTS (AOAC), 2005. Official Methods of Analysis of the AOAC. (18th ed.). Gaithersburg, M.D, USA.; BASTOS et al., 2006BASTOS, D. H. M. et al. Bioactive compounds content of chimarrão infusions related to the moisture of Yerba Maté(Ilex paraguariensis) Leaves. Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology, v.49, n.3, p.399-404, 2006. Available from: <Available from: https://www.scielo.br/j/babt/a/S97qsZGbhWFQHVzk4JsmDbM/?format=pdf⟨=en >. Accessed: May, 25, 2016. doi: 10.1590/S1516-89132006000400007.
https://www.scielo.br/j/babt/a/S97qsZGbh...
).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

Description of the installations

The processing of mate has undergone little modernization over the years, still following the sample principle of rudimentary installations used by the Indians, and therefore there remains many aspects which need to be improved compared with other agroindustries. The mate processing units visited use the mechanized system and possess the same type of industrial installation to scorch and dry the mate. Two wood burning furnaces (1000 - 1500 kg/hour of mate leaves) are used, interconnected with rotary drying cylinders.

The images of the mate processing stages collected at the processing units under study are shown in figure 3, which follow the same operational sequence as the mate processing.

Figure 3
Main stages of mate processing. 3A - Mate reception area; 3B and 3C - mate entering the process; 3D e 3E - mate sapeco; 3F e 3G - mate drying; 3H - external view of the sapecador and mate dryer; 3I - mate crushing.

The leaves and green stems of the mate are unloaded from trucks (Figure 3A) and spread on a conveyer-belt (Figures 3B and 3C), which transports the mate onto the furnace flames of the scorcher. During the sapeco the flame is maintained, generated from the wood burning (Figure 3D), and the leaves and stems are fed into the equipment falling through the flames (Figure 3E). After being submitted to high temperatures, the leaves and stems circulate inside a rotary drum (iron cylinder) (Figure 3F), which apart from the gyrating movement has internal fins to facilitate the exit of the scorched material (Figure 3G). In this first stage, the leaves undergo a pre-drying process, since they enter with approximately 60% moisture content and leave scorched with a moisture content of around 35%.

The objective of the sapeco is to remove the superficial moisture and inactivate enzymes (peroxidases and polyphenoloxidases) which cause plant biomass oxidation, turning the leaves dark and the taste unpleasant (VALDUGA, 2002VALDUGA, A. T. Uso sustentado e processamento de Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil. (Erva-mate). São Carlos. Tese (doutorado em Ciências) - Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, 2002.; NABECHIMA et al., 2014NABECHIMA, G. H. et al. Effect of the mild temperature and traditional treatments on residual peroxidase activity, color, and chlorophyll content on storage of mate (Ilex paraguariensis) tea. Journal of Food Science, v.79, p.163-168, 2014. Avaliable from: < Avaliable from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24479664 > Accessed: Jan. 12, 2016. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.12329.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24479664...
). This production system is currently mechanized; however, it follows the same principles practiced by the Indians who, manually, passed in a fast manner the raw material of stems with leaves over the flames of a wood fire, suitable for this purpose.

After the sapeco, the leaves are collected at the end of the rotary drum in a transport system which sends them to the dryer (Figure 3H). The equipment used for the drying is similar to that used for the sapeco; however, it uses a milder flame in the furnace and dehydrate the leaves until they acquired a breakable and crisp texture.

The raw material enters the dryer with a moisture content of around 35 % and exits with approximately 6 %. Besides the mechanical rotary dryers (Figure 3H), there are also conveyer-belt dryers. According to ESMELINDRO et al. (2002ESMELINDRO, M. C. et al. Caracterização físico-química da yerba-mate: influência das etapas do processamento industrial. Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos, v.22, p.199-204, 2002. Available from: <Available from: https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/vzhPDmJ9ghm5pxbHMZTPnbN/ >. Accessed: Jan. 22, 2016. doi: 10.1590/S0101-20612002000200016.
https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/vzhPDmJ9gh...
), the main difference between the two types of dryers is related to the contact of the raw material with the smoke during the drying process. The rotary dryer is the system most commonly used in the Brazilian market, with low industrialization and installation costs, easy handling and with no risk of damage by fire (SCHIFFL, 1997, cited by BOUGARDT, 2000BOUGARDT, A. C. Desenvolvimento de uma bebida, utilizando extrato de erva-mate verde (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hill.). Curitiba. Dissertação (Mestrado em Tecnologia Química) - Setor de Tecnologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, 2000.); however, it has the disadvantage of direct contact of the smoke with the product, which is not observed in the conveyer-belt dryer, since the contact is indirect, causing less damage to the raw material.

After drying, in the final process, the mate is triturated or fragmented in an iron or hardwood triturator called a soque (Figure 3I). This apparatus forms part of the typical production system, where the triturated mate is called cancheada, constituting, thus, the raw material for the production mills, particularly for the commercial types: tea, chimarrão and tererê.

In the sapeco and drying stages, the contact of the raw material with the smoke from the wood burning, with compounds as carbon monoxide, methane, aldehydes, volatile organic compounds (C2 - C7), substituted furans, benzene, toluene, acetic acid, formic acid, nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2), sulfur dioxide, methyl chloride and others) (TORRES-DUQUE et al., 2008TORRES-DUQUE et al. Biomass fuels and respiratory diseases: a review of the evidence. Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society, v.5, p.577-592, 2008. Available from: <Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18625750 >. Accessed: Apr. 10, 2016. doi: 10.1513/pats.200707-100RP.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18625750...
), and high temperatures, contributes significantly to the generation of compounds called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which represent an important class of carcinogens formed during the incomplete combustion of organic material (CAMARGO & TOLEDO, 2002CAMARGO, M. C. R.; TOLEDO, M. C. F. Chá-mate e café como fontes de hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos (HPAs) na dieta da população de campinas. Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos, v.22, p.49-53, 2002. Available from: <Available from: https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/znGx9JCwJHRxNGp7bFNc7XH/ >. Accessed: Nov. 01, 2016. doi: 10.1590/S0101-20612002000100009.
https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/znGx9JCwJH...
; ZUIN et al., 2005ZUIN, V. G. et al. Stir bar sorptive extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Mate teas. Journal of Chromatography., v.1091, p.2-10. 2005. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.chroma.2005.07.057 >. Accessed: Oct. 28, 2016. doi: 10.1016/j.chroma.2005.07.057.
https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.chroma.2005.0...
). However, these are present in many foods (MORET & CONTE, 2000MORET, S.; CONTE, L.S. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in edible fats and oils: occurrence and analytical methods. Journal Chromatography. v.882, p.245-253, 2000. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0021-9673(00)00079-0 >. Accessed: apr. 22, 2016. doi:10.1016/S0021-9673(00)00079-0.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0021-9673(00)00...
; LIU & KORENAGA, 2001LIU, X.; KORENAGA, T. Dynamic analysis for the distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in rice. Journal of Health Science, p.446-451, 2001. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1248/jhs.47.446 >. Accessed: Jun. 30, 2016. doi: 10.1248/jhs.47.446.
https://doi.org/10.1248/jhs.47.446...
; TFOUNI et al., 2007TFOUNI, S. A. V. et al. Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in cachaça by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Food Chemistry, v.101, p.334-338, 2007. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2006.01.040 >. Accessed: Oct. 02, 2017. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2006.01.040.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2006....
; STUMPE-VIKSNA et al., 2008STUMPE-VIKSNA, I. et al. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in meat smoked with different types of wood. Food Chemistry , v.110, p.794-797. 2008. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2008.03.004 >. Accessed: Jan. 05, 2016. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2008.03.004.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2008....
; REY-SALGUEIRO et al., 2008REY-SALGUEIRO, L. et al. Effects of toasting procedures on the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in toasted bread. Food Chemistry, v.108, p.607-615, 2008. Available from: <Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26059139 >. Accessed: Feb. 28, 2016. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2007.11.026
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26059139...
).

The removal of wood as a heat source for the process would bring advantages in terms of the reduction of these compounds, as well as facilitate the control of the temperature to obtain a product with quality and homogeneity. Avoiding the direct flame and controlling the temperature can minimize the generation of PAHs both through the contact with combustion gases and the formation these pyrolysis compounds from superheating of the leaves.

Thermal balance of the mate processing

In interviews with the production managers and staff at the units, it was possible to collect data for a simplified energy balance, as presented in table 1. It can be noted that in the unit reports were obtained with very similar data regarding the wood yield and the productivity.

Table 1
Estimate of thermal yield for the mate sapeco and drying processes of four processing units located in the municipality of Catanduvas.

The thermal balance allowed it to be estimated that the sapeco stage is characterized by a higher expenditure of energy in the process and that only 20 - 26 % of the energy is effectively consumed in the evaporation of water from the mate leaves. These results verified the need for immediate action, both for energy saving and temperature control to avoid the formation of compounds toxic to human health (PAHs), derived from the pyrolysis of the leaves and wood combustion gases. In comparison, the efficiency of combustion engines, for instance, despite being modern, is around 35 - 40% (DAHHAM et al., 2022DAHHAM, R. Y. et al. Improving thermal efficiency of internal combustion engines: recent progress and remaining challenges. Energies, v.15, 6222, 2022. Available from: <Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/15/17/6222 >. Accessed: Nov. 25, 2022. doi:10.3390/en15176222.
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/15/17/622...
) and the mate processing would be around 50% efficient, despite being rustic. However, the restrictions on energy consumption from the environmental and economic point of view, require efforts both for the diagnosis and designing of new projects for more energy efficient mate processing.

The units visited do not use thermal insulation on the furnace surfaces, the transporting systems and the rotary drum. This leads to an important loss of heat from the system which could be avoided.

Evaluation of temperature of mate processing

Table 2 gives the temperature values reported in the mate processing stages in processing units. The two units evaluated had similar temperature values during processing, and the temperatures during sapeco are higher than those during drying, according to the literature (ESMELINDRO et al., 2002ESMELINDRO, M. C. et al. Caracterização físico-química da yerba-mate: influência das etapas do processamento industrial. Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos, v.22, p.199-204, 2002. Available from: <Available from: https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/vzhPDmJ9ghm5pxbHMZTPnbN/ >. Accessed: Jan. 22, 2016. doi: 10.1590/S0101-20612002000200016.
https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/vzhPDmJ9gh...
).

Table 2
Temperatures (oC) during the processing (sapeco and drying) of mate at the processing units in the municipality of Catanduvas (Santa Catarina State, Brazil).

The evaluations carried out indicated that the energy consumption in the sapeco operation exceeds that required for this operation. The literature has cited values of around 400 ºC as sufficient to inactivate enzymes and maintain the green color of the leaves (ESMELINDRO et al, 2002ESMELINDRO, M. C. et al. Caracterização físico-química da yerba-mate: influência das etapas do processamento industrial. Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos, v.22, p.199-204, 2002. Available from: <Available from: https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/vzhPDmJ9ghm5pxbHMZTPnbN/ >. Accessed: Jan. 22, 2016. doi: 10.1590/S0101-20612002000200016.
https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/vzhPDmJ9gh...
), while NABECHIMA et al. (2014NABECHIMA, G. H. et al. Effect of the mild temperature and traditional treatments on residual peroxidase activity, color, and chlorophyll content on storage of mate (Ilex paraguariensis) tea. Journal of Food Science, v.79, p.163-168, 2014. Avaliable from: < Avaliable from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24479664 > Accessed: Jan. 12, 2016. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.12329.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24479664...
), indicated that the temperatures practiced should be sufficient for the inactivation of mate peroxidases (around 255 oC). The temperatures evaluated in the internal parts of the sapeco equipment and at the point where the leaves enter reach values of 540 to 560 ºC, which generates a loss of energy, besides a tendency toward a greater formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carcinogenic compounds generated by the burning of organic material at high temperatures. Therefore, future studies are required to establish a better thermal regime in the mate processing.

The residence time and the average temperature of the mate in the dryers are dependent on the operating characteristics of each one. In the rotary dryer the product remains in direct contact with the smoke for approximately 30 mins, with the temperature oscillating from 350 - 370 °C, at the entrance of the dryer, and from 80 - 82 °C at the exit; these values are similar to those reported by ESMELINDRO et al. (2002ESMELINDRO, M. C. et al. Caracterização físico-química da yerba-mate: influência das etapas do processamento industrial. Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos, v.22, p.199-204, 2002. Available from: <Available from: https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/vzhPDmJ9ghm5pxbHMZTPnbN/ >. Accessed: Jan. 22, 2016. doi: 10.1590/S0101-20612002000200016.
https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/vzhPDmJ9gh...
), which were an average of 350 ºC at the entrance and 110 ºC at the exit of the dryer. For the conveyer-belt dryer, little used in Brazil, the average time is 3 hours and the temperature varies between 90 and 110 °C.

Thermography

To evaluate the thermal environment to which the mate is exposed during processing, the temperature at the hot extremities of the objects (metal plate) inside the furnace was monitored. Table 3 gives the temperatures observed (thermographic camera) in the sapeco stage of mate processing at the four of mate processing units studied.

Table 3
Temperatures prevailing during the mate sapeco process, evaluated with the aid of a thermographic camera, in the four mate processing units studied.

The temperature to which the leaves are submitted during sapeco lies at around 540 - 620 ºC, differing from the literature which reports the average temperature at the scorcher entrance as being around 400 °C (ESMELINDRO et al., 2002ESMELINDRO, M. C. et al. Caracterização físico-química da yerba-mate: influência das etapas do processamento industrial. Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos, v.22, p.199-204, 2002. Available from: <Available from: https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/vzhPDmJ9ghm5pxbHMZTPnbN/ >. Accessed: Jan. 22, 2016. doi: 10.1590/S0101-20612002000200016.
https://www.scielo.br/j/cta/a/vzhPDmJ9gh...
). Some authors stated that the quality of the final product can be affected by a thermally inefficient treatment due to the exposure to temperatures lower than those recommended during sapeco, allowing residual enzymatic action or contrarily to exposure to high temperatures causing the burning of the product (ESMELINDRO et al., 2002; VIEIRA et al., 2010VIEIRA, M. A. et al. Occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons throughout the processing stages of erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis). Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A, v.27, p.776-782, 2010. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/ 10.1080/19440041003587310 >. Accessed: Jan. 14, 2016. doi: 10.1080/19440041003587310.
https://doi.org/ 10.1080/194400410035873...
; NABECHIMA et al., 2014NABECHIMA, G. H. et al. Effect of the mild temperature and traditional treatments on residual peroxidase activity, color, and chlorophyll content on storage of mate (Ilex paraguariensis) tea. Journal of Food Science, v.79, p.163-168, 2014. Avaliable from: < Avaliable from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24479664 > Accessed: Jan. 12, 2016. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.12329.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24479664...
), besides the possibility for greater generation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

This preliminary research about the thermal condition of mate (Ilex paraguariensis) processing, in addition to stimulating new research for the enhancement of functional properties, avoiding the formation of PAHs in mate, also contributed to alerting about the need for changes in industrial processes. Despite the positive scenario, based on the properties of mate, the vast majority of processors are unaware of or neglect these needs for changes that could bring even more benefits to the health of consumers and new business opportunities for importing countries that despite recognizing the benefits of mate, have strict control over the presence of PAHs.

CONCLUSION:

Results of this study verify that improvements need to be made to the mate processing for which 80 % wastage of the energy produced occurs, along with high temperatures originating from this process.

It is shown with the use of evaluations with a thermographic camera and thermometry that the mate sector needs to change the sapeco and drying systems, in order to save energy and, consequently, better regulate the processing temperature, resulting in product improvement.

The design of a new process focusing on energy saving, the integration and improvement of the performance of all economic aspects in the processing and promotion of the product, and the production process of mate in the producing states, could represent a significant step toward the adding of value to this important culture.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank the FINEP/SEBRAE for their financial support, and Ms. Jozeane Caldartt, and Mr. Anselmo Zanelatto (in memoriam) by support in mate industries.

REFERENCES

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    CR-2022-0178.R2

Edited by

Leandro Souza da Silva (0000-0002-1636-6643) Melissa Walter (0000-0003-0535-0352)

Edited by

AUTHORS’ CONTRIBUTIONS

All authors contributed equally for the conception and writing of the manuscript. All authors critically revised the manuscript and approved of the final version.

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    14 Apr 2023
  • Date of issue
    2023

History

  • Received
    16 Mar 2022
  • Accepted
    10 Oct 2022
  • Reviewed
    28 Feb 2023
Universidade Federal de Santa Maria Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Centro de Ciências Rurais , 97105-900 Santa Maria RS Brazil , Tel.: +55 55 3220-8698 , Fax: +55 55 3220-8695 - Santa Maria - RS - Brazil
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