Physicochemical Characterization and Mineral Composition of “UENF SD 08”: A Super-Sweet Corn Hybrid

Abstract

Sweet Corn (<em>Zea mays L.</em>) is possibly the most important commercial cereal originating in the Americas. Mutant genes are responsible for sweetness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical and mineral composition of the “UENF SD 08” cultivar, super-sweet corn developed at Darcy Ribeiro Northern Rio de Janeiro State University (UENF) and registered in the National Cultivar Register of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply and to compare its content to commercial super-sweet corn and field corn. Grain analyses were conducted at the Food Technology Laboratory, Phytotechnics Laboratory, and Animal Science Laboratory, UENF. The pH, total soluble solids, proximate composition, and mineral content were determined. In addition to the “UENF SD 08” cultivar, the “Tropical Plus®” cultivar, and the “UENF 506-11”, field corn cultivar were also studied. When comparing the mineral content, we observed there was not a great variability between the two super-sweet corn cultivars (“UENF SD 08” e “Tropical Plus®”). We highlight that both cultivars have higher soluble sugar concentration and less starch content for proximate composition. Therefore, having a cultivar adapted to the Northern Rio de Janeiro climatic conditions and knowing its nutritional characteristics is important for producers and individuals who will consume it, fresh or corn products.