Purpose
The purpose of this study was to evaluate six different fruits from the Cerrado as to their chemical and bioactive properties.
Design/methodology/approach
Six different fruits from the Cerrado (araticum, baru, jatoba-do-cerrado, lobeira, macauba and pequi) were characterized regarding moisture, ash, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, carotenoids, chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activities.
Findings
The highest flavonoid content, which was found in araticum pulp, was significantly different from the ones of other fruit pulps. The carotenoid content of pequi pulp was 12-fold the one of lobeira pulp. The vitamin C content of baru pulp was five-fold the Reference Daily Intake (RDI). In relation to the antioxidant activity, araticum (5.7 µM/g) and jatoba (5.2 µM/g) pulps exhibited the highest values (p < 0.01). Both baru and araticum pulps were capable of capturing the radical with mean percentage of discoloration of 68.7 and 67.4%, respectively (p < 0.01).
Originality/value
Native fruits of the Cerrado have been poorly described in the literature, even though they are highly consumed in the region. Publicizing their nutritional characteristics can increase the commercial value of these fruits, which have been traditionally devalued. In addition, knowledge of new sources of nutrients contributes to their use by pharmaceutical and food industries.
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the solid-state fermentation (SSF) of corn bran (CB) with Monascus purpureus.
Design/methodology/approach
The SSF was realized with CB ranged in process: time (4, 8, 12 and 16 days), inoculum ratio (105, 106 and 107 spores for mL) and temperature (16, 24 and 32 °C). Color of the CB and fermented CB (FCB) was evaluated by spectrophotometer, and this result was used to choose one treatment. The proximal composition (moisture, lipid, ash and protein content), pH value, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and functional properties of CB and FCB were analyzed. The carbohydrate content and caloric value were calculated for CB and FCB.
Findings
The color results showed that during asexual reproduction, there was inhibition of the pigment production by M. purpureus. There was an increase in the amount of lipids and a decrease in carbohydrates in SSF, thus elucidating the primary metabolism of M. purpureus. CB and FCB showed no statistical difference in either the emulsifying activity or water solubility.
Originality/value
SSF is an alternative for the use of unvalued agroindustrial waste, and by utilizing this process with CB, a new ingredient with red color can be produced with important nutritional value.
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