Abstract
ABSTRACT: This study evaluated physical characteristics, chemical composition, content of vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and minerals in biribiri fruits (Averrhoa bilimbi) from the Middle Doce River region (Minas Gerais, Brazil). Titratable acidity was determined by volumetric neutralization, pH by direct potentiometry, soluble solids by refractometry, humidity by gravimetry, ash by calcination in muffle, proteins by the micro-Kjeldahl method, dietary fiber by non-enzymatic gravimetric method and lipids using a Soxhlet extractor. Carotenoids and vitamin C were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and vitamin E by HPLC with fluorescence detector. Fourteen minerals were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Biribiri showed high yield of edible portion (100%), low lipid, protein and carbohydrate content, and; consequently, low total energy value (25.36 kcal 100 g-1). The fruit also showed low dietary fiber content (0.62 g 100 g-1), total vitamin E (17.62 µg 100 g-1), total carotenoids (0.32 g 100 g-1), and high vitamin C, zinc, copper, iron content, manganese, molybdenum and chrome content. Regarding the heavy metals, the fruit showed no cadmium, and traces of aluminum and nickel. In conclusion, biribiri presented low energy value and expressive contents of dietary fibers, vitamin C, iron, manganese, molybdenum, chromium, zinc, and copper.
Highlights
Averrhoa bilimbi L. is a fruit tree belonging to the oxalidaceae family, which includes Averrhoa carambola L., popularly known as carambola (ALHASSAN & AHMED, 2016)
The ripe ones are consumed in natura or processed for the preparation of jams, and juices (ALHASSAN & AHMED, 2016; ISTIQAMAH et al, 2019)
The biribiri fruits were donated by family farmers through the Centro Agroecológico Tamanduá (CAT), which for 30 years has been providing technical advice and promoting rural extension to rural communities and agrarian reform settlements in the Middle Doce River region
Summary
Averrhoa bilimbi L. is a fruit tree belonging to the oxalidaceae family, which includes Averrhoa carambola L., popularly known as carambola (ALHASSAN & AHMED, 2016). Information on the chemical composition of biribiri fruits native of Brazil is scarce in the scientific literature This information is restricted to the physicochemical and physical composition (pH, total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, weight, length, width and number of seeds), and the profile of polyphenols and antioxidants of the fruits (ARAÚJO et al, 2009). In view of the lack of information on carotenoids, vitamin E and minerals present in biribiri from Brazil, the high variability in the physical and chemical characteristics of grown fruits without anthropic interference and the variation of these characteristics due to genetic and edaphoclimatic factors of the cultivation sites (LIMA et al, 2001). This study determined the physical and chemical characteristics (macronutrients, vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids and minerals) of biribiri fruits from family farming in the Middle Doce River region, Minas Gerais, Brazil. This research was proposed from the initial contact with biribiri and local agrobiodiversity through experiences of rural extension with family farming and local peasant organizations
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