Sensory aspects of the pau-branco (Cordia oncocalyx allemão) and other woods of the caatinga biome

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensory quality aspects of endemic wood from the Caatinga, in order to understand how people relate to them and understand the sensory characteristics desired by consumers which can help in the valorization of species. Wood used in furniture making and sawmills in Aruaru, Morada Nova – CE ('pau-branco branco', 'pau-branco branco', 'cumaru', 'pereiro', 'pau-d'arco' and 'pitiá') were evaluated by 53 individuals, regarding sensory acceptance (color, global appearance, visual texture and tactile texture) and descriptive profile by CATA method (Check-all-that-apply). Acceptance data were submitted to ANOVA, Tukey's and ACP tests and CATA's, to multivariate correspondence analysis. The woods were well accepted (hedonic averages between 6 and 8). ‘Pereiro’ presented acceptance in the range of “I liked it” and “I liked it a lot” for all the evaluated attributes, while ‘Pau-branco rajado’ and ‘Pau-d’arco’, presented averages in the region “I liked it a little”. The visual and tactile textures contributed to reducing the acceptance of ‘pau-branco claro’ and ‘cumaru’ woods. ‘Pau d'arco registered a positive correlation for the quality of wood, however ACP shows a segment of consumers that indicate low acceptance for its tactile texture. It was evidenced that ‘Pereiro’, ‘Pau-branco rajado’ and ‘Pitiá’ have a high positive correlation in the quality characteristics expected by consumers. In this sense, public policies for the preservation of these species must be implemented. This information can also serve as guidelines in the elaboration of management plans for its sustainable uses, expanding the dialogue on the conservation of the northeastern flora.