In this study, pulp and kernel of fruits from six Arecaceae species were subjected to proximate analysis, fatty acid composition and total carotenoid content analysis. The species with the highest carbohydrate, lipid and protein values were Ptychosperma macarthurii (70.1 g/100 g in the kernel), Syagrus cearensis (40.6 g/100 g in the kernel), and S. coronata (20.6 g/100 g in the pulp). The ash content ranged from 0.61 to 7.51 g/100 g. Lauric, palmitic, and oleic acids were the major fatty acids identified. The total carotenoid contents and retinol activity equivalents were highest in the Pinanga kuhlii (180.3 µg/g) and Acrocomia intumescens (138.0 µg/g) pulp oils. Retinol activity equivalents varied between the investigated species (456 to 1515 μg RAE/100 g). Native species such as A. intumescens, S. coronata, and S. cearensis are good sources of fresh food for the underserved populations that inhabit poorly developed areas such as the semi-arid region of Brazil. P. macarthurii, an exotic species, is an excellent source of ash and carotenoids, demonstrating its potential both as a food source and as bioactive compounds. Pulp and kernel of A. intumescens, could be a good alternative feedstock for soap and biodiesel production, respectively.

Many native species of the Brazilian flora are still little explored economically in the country. An example is Acrocomia intumescens, a palm tree that in recent studies has shown some industrial potential still unexplored. The present study evaluates the proximate composition, including minerals, and total carotenoid content of A. intumescens fruits from three different locations in Pernambuco State, north‐east Brazil, with distinct climatic characteristics. A. intumescens fruits showed that nutritional composition, mineral profile and total carotenoid content varied between fruit parts and between locations. A. intumescens pulp is rich in moisture (35.96%–40.97%), lipids (31.88%–43.22%), ashes (3.63%–4.95%) and total carotenoids (106.69–265.23 µg/g), while the kernel stands out for its high content of lipids (52.08%–56.67%) and proteins (16.49%–21.88%). The main A. intumescens minerals present in the pulp were K (max. 241 mg/100 g) and Mg (max. 153.38 mg/100 g), while P (max. 92.51 mg/100 g) predominated in the kernel. Multivariate analysis (PCA) indicates that location with higher rainfall and temperature produces fruits with higher macro‐ and micronutrient contents.