Physicochemical characterization of fruits of <i>Campomanesia guazumifolia</i> (Cambess.) O. Berg (Myrtaceae)

Abstract

Belonging to the family Myrtaceae, ‘sete capotes’ is a plant native to the Atlantic Forest biome. It produces yellow-green fruits between February and May. Although used for consumption by local populations, studies of the fruit are rare. The present work aimed at characterize the fruit in terms of physicochemical properties. We quantified mass, volume, moisture, pulp yield, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids/titratable acidity, proteins, lipids, total sugars, reducing sugars, ash, macronutrients, micronutrients, pectin, vitamin C and phenolic compounds. Compared with commercial fruits and other native fruit trees, sete capotes is unusual for its pulp yield, vitamin C levels, total phenolic compound content, protein levels, calcium content, potassium levels and iron content. Through the results it is verified of the fruit as a functional food, mainly because of its nutritive content and because of its bioactive compounds. Our data emphasize the importance of study of the constituents of native flora.

Keywords

• native fruits; vitamin C; antioxidants in fruits; pomology.