A new population of pequi (Caryocar spp.) developed by Brazilian indigenous people has agro-industrial and nutraceutical advantages

Abstract

Physical and chemical properties of 190 fruit samples from 26 matrices of a new population of Caryocar spp. were investigated. Whole fruit, named giant pequi, was composed of 67% shell (exocarp and external mesocarp) and 33% pyrene, and the edible pulp (internal mesocarp) comprised 46% pyrene and 15% total fruit mass. The pulp presented moderate contents of energy (269 kcal/100 g) and lipid (16/100 g), mainly monounsaturated fatty acids (56/100 g lipids); high carotenoid concentration (47 µg/g) and considerable phenolic content (101 mg GAE/100 g). Gallic and p-coumaric acids were the main phenolic compounds identified in the pulp, and the larger classes of volatile compounds were esters and monoterpenes, mostly ethyl hexanoate (44%) and β-cis-ocimene (21%). The giant pequi features higher pyrene and pulp yields, and its edible pulp has a lighter color and lower energy and lipid contents compared to those of common species of pequi, as well as is rich in carotenoids and is a source of polyphenols and volatile compounds. These attributes are highly promising for agro-industrial use, with great potential for nutritional and nutraceutical applications.