This study explored the diversity of the quinoa crop in Chile from a nutritional perspective. Nutritional properties, minerals, vitamins, and saponin content were assessed in seeds of six Chilean quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) ecotypes grown in three main production areas with distinctive climatic and edaphic conditions: Ancovinto and Cancosa in the NorthAltiplano or High Plateau, Cáhuil and Faro in the central coastal area, and Regalona and Villarrica in the south of the country. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in all the nutritional properties of the quinoa seeds in all three areas. Quinoa of the Villarrica ecotype showed the highest protein content (16.10 g 100 g -1 DM) and the highest content of vitamins E and C (4.644 ± 0.240 and 23.065 ± 1.119 mg 100 g -1 DM, respectively). The highest content of vitamins B1 (0.648 ± 0.006 mg 100 g -1 DM) and B3 (1.569 ± 0.026 mg 100 g -1 DM) was found in the Regalona ecotype, while the highest value of vitamin B2 (0.081 ± 0.002 mg 100 g -1 DM) occurred in the Ancovinto ecotype. Potassium was the most abundant mineral with a maximum value of 2325.56 mg 100 g -1 DM in the Cancosa ecotype. Saponin content varied from 0.84 g 100 g -1 DM in the Villarrica ecotype to 3.91 g 100 g -1 DM in the Cáhuil ecotype. Significant differences were found among the Chilean quinoa ecotypes grown under different climatic conditions; however, all the quinoa seeds exhibited a high nutritional value. These results are compatible with the genetic differences previously observed in the three geographical areas under study. Thus, if more studies are conducted to show the particular properties of quinoa from specific areas, it would be possible in the future to coin the term "controlled designation of origin" (appellation d'origine contrôlée) and add commercial value to Chilean quinoa seeds in the domestic and international markets.

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Antimicrobial potential of quinoa seeds from six diverse seeds, grown in three distinctive geographical zones of Chile, was correlated with their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total saponin content (TSC). The six seeds were Ancovinto, Cancosa, Cahuil, Faro, Regalona and Villarrica. A significant influence of quinoa source on chemical composition of seeds was observed. Extracts of all quinoa samples showed antimicrobial activity in the range of 8.3 -14.8 mm inhibition zone for E. coli and 8.5 -15.0 mm inhibition zone for S. aureus. Cancosa seeds had the highest antimicrobial action. The TPC and TFC ranged from 3.71 to 16.55 mg GA/100 g d.m. and 7.77 to 14.37 mg QE/100 g d.m., respectively. TSC varied from 1.78 to 3.08 g/100 g d.m. A correlation between TFC and antimicrobial activity was found. In conclusion, the six types of quinoa seeds were identified as potential sources of antioxidant compounds and antimicrobial activity.

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The effects of air drying temperature on dietary fibre, texture and microstructure of the Cape gooseberry fruits during convective dehydration in the range of 50-90 ºC were investigated. The ratio of insoluble dietary fibre to soluble dietary fibre was higher than 7:1 for all dehydrated samples. At 50 ºC tissue structure damage was evidenced leading to the maximum water holding capacity (47.4±2.8 g retained water/ 100 g water) and the lowest rehydration ratio (1.15±0.06 g absorbed water/g d.m.). Texture analysis showed effects of drying temperatures on TPA parameters. Changes in microstructure tissue were also observed at the studied drying temperatures. Hot air drying technology leads not only to fruit preservation but also increases and adds value to Cape gooseberry, an asset to develop new functional products.