Abstract
Abstract The fruit species of the Brazilian Cerrado, such as buriti (Mauritia vinifera ), occupy a prominent position in the ecosystem since they contribute to the economic potential of the region and have high nutritional value. We aimed to evaluate the physical characteristics, chemical composition and content of vitamin C, carotenoids, vitamin E and folates in pulp of buriti from the Brazilian Cerrado of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The length, diameter, mass and fruit yield were evaluated. The titratable acidity was determined by volumetric neutralization; pH by potentiometry; soluble solids by refractometry; moisture using an oven; ash using a muffle furnace; proteins by the micro-Kjeldhal method; total dietary fiber by the gravimetric non-enzymatic method and lipids with a Soxhlet extractor. Vitamin C and carotenoids were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with detection by diode array (HPLC-DAD) and vitamin E and folates by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Buriti pulp showed 12.13 g.100g -1 of lipids and 74.86 g.100g-1 of moisture. Also, the fruit showed high content of dietary fiber, carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E and folates. Buriti can contribute to the adequate intake of fiber and vitamins and to preventing the incidence of disorders, especially those more frequent in native populations of the Cerrado.
Highlights
The dozens of native fruit species from the Brazilian Cerrado occupy a prominent position in the ecosystem, for they constitute a potential source for economical exploration, due to their popular acceptance and important nutritional value (Schiassi et al, 2018)
Besides the sensory characteristics that make their consumption appealing, the fruits are noteworthy for being potential sources of carotenoids and other vitamins, contributing for human health (Schiassi et al, 2018)
Vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidants found in fruits, helping prevent non-communicable chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases (Pearson et al, 2017)
Summary
The dozens of native fruit species from the Brazilian Cerrado occupy a prominent position in the ecosystem, for they constitute a potential source for economical exploration, due to their popular acceptance and important nutritional value (Schiassi et al, 2018). Besides the sensory characteristics that make their consumption appealing, the fruits are noteworthy for being potential sources of carotenoids and other vitamins, contributing for human health (Schiassi et al, 2018). Some carotenoids, such as α-carotene, β-carotene and β- cryptoxanthin, found in fruits, present pro-vitamin A activity (Yamagata, 2017). The fruits from the Cerrado can be considered excellent sources of vitamin C, an ascorbic acid (AA) in its main biologically active form, though its oxidized form, dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), can present vitamin activity (Schiassi et al, 2018; Hamacek et al, 2014). Vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidants found in fruits, helping prevent non-communicable chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases (Pearson et al, 2017)
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