Abstract
Mexico has many natural resources for use in the food industry. In recent years Xoconostle, which is considered as a traditional food, has gained importance due to key its components such as fiber, antioxidants, and fermentative bacteria found in both the peel and fruit, which could benefit human and animal health. Information on the presence of organic contaminants such as pesticides in Xoconostle is important in protecting its reputation as a healthy food. The objective of this research was to measure the concentration of pesticides in the peel of Xoconostle in four 50 m2 plots in the same production area. The samples were taken in the state of Hidalgo, which is one major region of production. Fruits were collected from upper and lower levels in five plots. Organochlorine pesticides in peel samples were extracted by Soxhlet extraction, purified with chromatographic columns, and finally analyzed by gas chromatography with electron capture detector (ECD). The results showed a predominance of heptachlor, HCH derivatives and DDT isomers but there is no permissible limit for these compounds in this fruit. The presence of organochlorines suggests the use of these compounds in control of pests in crops and livestock, in spite of the substitution of these compounds, principally by organophosphorus pesticides. Regulation is necessary to ensure the safety of the product for consumption and trade.
Highlights
Mexico has many natural resources for use in the food industry
Xoconostle uses have been growing due to its health benefits, as well as other applications such as a condiment in Mexican cuisine, and in the preparation of candies, jellies and beverages
In some regions the cactus has been employed as an ornamental plant due to its colorful flowers, and as an agricultural crop due to its fruits and the ability of its roots to help improve soil structure and to work in association with nitrogen fixing bacteria/mycorrhiza to help absorption of phosphorous (Saenz et al 2006)
Summary
In recent years Xoconostle, which is considered as a traditional food, has gained importance due to key its components such as fiber, antioxidants, and fermentative bacteria found in both the peel and fruit, which could benefit human and animal health. Mexico has 93 species of cactus, some of which are commercially important for food and health uses. In some regions the cactus has been employed as an ornamental plant due to its colorful flowers, and as an agricultural crop due to its fruits and the ability of its roots to help improve soil structure and to work in association with nitrogen fixing bacteria/mycorrhiza to help absorption of phosphorous (Saenz et al 2006). Xoconostle peel is useful as food for livestock and alcoholic beverages by fermentation, and in the central region of
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