Resumo

CENTURION-HIDALGO, D et al. Nutritional content of palm inflorescences in the Tabasco mountains. Universidad y ciencia [online]. 2009, vol.25, n.3, pp.193-199. ISSN 0186-2979.

The inhabitants of the Tabasco mountains still retain aspects of their traditional food culture by eating the inflorescences of the wild palm tree (Astrocaryum mexicanum, Chamaedorea alternans and Chamaedorea tepejilote). The edible parts of the inflorescences were dehydrated for analyses (proximal chemical, mineral content and dietary fiber). Significant differences were recorded (p < 0.05) for the results obtained for the proximal analysis and the mineral content, with the greatest percentage of crude protein (25.39%) and of ethereal extract (2.26%) in the C. alternans inflorescences, and of ash (17.25%) and total fiber (12.16%) in C. tepejilote. Regarding the minerals, the A. mexicanum inflorescences presented the lowest amount of Iron (13.9 mg (100g)^-1), whereas C. alternans and C. tepejilote recorded approximately 25 mg (100g)^-1. The greatest value for Calcium was recorded in the C. alternans and C. tepejilote inflorescences with 2458 and 2479 mg (100g)^-1 respectively. The A. mexicanum inflorescences presented the greatest values of Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Total Dietary Fiber and Insoluble Dietary Fiber.

Palavras-chave : Palm; inflorescence; nutrients; dietary fiber.