Buriti of the cerrado of Minas Gerais, Brazil: physical and chemical characterization and content of carotenoids and vitamins

Abstract

The fruit species of the Brazilian Cerrado, such as buriti (Mauritia vinifera ), occupy a prominent position in the ecosystem since they contribute to the economic potential of the region and have high nutritional value. We aimed to evaluate the physical characteristics, chemical composition and content of vitamin C, carotenoids, vitamin E and folates in pulp of buriti from the Brazilian Cerrado of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The length, diameter, mass and fruit yield were evaluated. The titratable acidity was determined by volumetric neutralization; pH by potentiometry; soluble solids by refractometry; moisture using an oven; ash using a muffle furnace; proteins by the micro-Kjeldhal method; total dietary fiber by the gravimetric non-enzymatic method and lipids with a Soxhlet extractor. Vitamin C and carotenoids were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with detection by diode array (HPLC-DAD) and vitamin E and folates by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Buriti pulp showed 12.13 g.100g -1 of lipids and 74.86 g.100g-1 of moisture. Also, the fruit showed high content of dietary fiber, carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E and folates. Buriti can contribute to the adequate intake of fiber and vitamins and to preventing the incidence of disorders, especially those more frequent in native populations of the Cerrado.