Chemical composition of the fruit mesocarp of three peach palm ( Bactris gasipaes ) populations grown in Central Amazonia, Brazil

Abstract

The percent composition, soluble and insoluble food fibers, oil fatty acids and minerals were determined in the mesocarp of fruits of three peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) populations grown in Central Amazonia, Brazil. Amino acids were also determined in one of the populations. The mean protein levels ranged from 1.8 to 2.7%, lipid levels ranged from 3.5 to 11.1%, the nitrogen free fraction ranged from 24.3 to 35%, food fiber ranged from 5.2% to 8.7%, and energy ranged from 179.1 to 207.4 kcal%. All essential, as well as non-essential, amino acids were present, with tryptophan and methionine presenting the lowest mean concentrations. The mono-unsaturated oleic acid predominated in the oil, ranging from 42.8 to 60.8%, and palmitic acid was the most abundant saturated fatty acid, ranging from 24.1 to 42.3%. Among the essential fatty acids, linoleic acid was the most abundant, with a maximum of 5.4% in Pampa-8. The most important mineral elements were potassium, selenium and chromium, respectively corresponding to 12%, 9% and 9% of daily recommended allowances. Considering the nutritional potential of the fruit, we suggest its more frequent incorporation into the diet of the Amazonian population.

Identification and quantification of carotenoids by HPLC-DAD during the process of peach palm (Bactris gasipaes H.B.K.) flour

“…Today, peach-palm fruit is considered as an important alternative-food crop, mainly because of its nutritional value in terms of high levels of fibre, fat, β-carotene and eight essential amino acids, and low contents of sodium and sugars (Fernández, Blanco, & Mora-Urpí, 1990;Fernández et al, 1995;Yuyama et al, 2003). The high starch and fat contents mean that the fruit also has a high energetic value (Clement, Weber, Van Leeuwen, Astorga, Cole & Arguello, 2004;Da Silva & Clement, 2005;Leterme, García, Londoño, Rojas, Buldgen, & Souffrant, 2005).…”

Somatic embryogenesis from immature peach palm inflorescence explants: towards development of an efficient protocol

“…The palm is important today for both fruit and heart-of-palm production. The fruit is an excellent food, with starches, lipids, carotene and all essential amino acids (Yuyama et al 2003). The heart-of-palm is composed of unexpanded juvenile leaves and subapical tissue, and has low concentrations of peroxidases and polyphenoloxidase, allowing in natura commercialization, as well as processing (Clement et al 1999).…”

Sensory dimensions of peach-palm fruit (Bactris gasipaes) and implications for future genetics

“…The natural variability of chemical and morphological attributes of peach-palm fruits strongly relates to its differentiated use between human consumption-which extends to flours, bakery, preserves, oil, etc.-and animal targeted consumption, with high-oil and low-fiber fruits specially appreciated in the former (Clement & Arkcoll, 1991;Clement & Mora-Urpí, 1987;Carvalho et al, 2013;Ferreira & Pena, 2003;Yuyama et al, 2003;Kerr et al, 1997). Therefore, characterizing genetic materials with economic potential, i.e.…”