Project “Doçura que agrega”: identity, memory and affection of fruit sweets

Abstract

Sugar serves as a natural preservative for fruits and was brought to Brazil by the Portuguese, becoming culturally significant. Keeping this tradition alive requires efforts, and university extension plays a role in merging culture and science. The “Doçura que agrega” project, part of UFC Gastronomy course, focuses on artisanal regional fruit products, food preservation, and social entrepreneurship. The project explores identity, memory, and affection through bibliographic, descriptive, and qualitative research. Participants emphasize the importance of teaching methods that introduce new work approaches. The project fosters independence by equipping participants with skills for professional use or entrepreneurship. It also sparks discussions about the market and the cultural stories behind sweets. Each year, the project reaches more people, who either start businesses or apply their knowledge in formal jobs, helping to preserve and promote the value of regional sweets.