PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL, AND LIPID COMPOSITION OF JUÇARA (EUTERPE EDULIS MART.) PULP

Abstract

Juçara palm (Euterpe edulis Martius) is native to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and is an endangered species due to intensive exploration to produce hearts of palm. In the last few years, juçara plantation has been implemented for fruit production and pulp extraction, similar to açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.). The objective of this study was to assess the physical, chemical, and lipid composition of juçara pulp, in order to establish the exact measures of its quality aiming to demonstrate the product potential for commercialization. Our results revealed high content of essential minerals, such as magnesium, copper, zinc, iron, and manganese, antioxidant compounds (anthocyanins), and high quality fatty acids (palmitic, oleic and linoleic), indicating the importance and functionality of the product for human consumption. Due to the high content of dark pigments found in juçara pulp, this product can also be used as a natural food dye, not only producing an attractive appearance, but also adding beneficial compounds for human health.

Keywords

• Açaí
• antioxidants
• minerals
• palmitic acid
• oleic acid
• linoleic acid