The aim of this work was to evaluate the quality of "pequi" (Caryocar coriaceum Wittm.). Mature fruits from thirty five native pequi plants (Cariocar coriaceum Wittm.), grown in the Chapada do Araripe, State of Ceará were harvested and analyzed as to chemical and physical-chemical characteristics. Pulp content were evaluated for pH, acidity, soluble solids, total sugar, ratio °Brix/acidity, water activity, protein, total carbohydrate and total energy, the pulp and kernel moisture, fat, ash and minerals (Ca, Mg, P, K, Cu, Fe, Mn, Na and Zn). A high variability for these characteristics was observed among plants. The highest variability in the pulp samples was observed for total acidity (TTA), total sugars and protein, and the lowest for water activity, pH and moisture, in ascending order. For relation minerals, greater variability was observed for copper in the pulp and sodium in the kernel. Six plants stood out by presenting percentage of lipids (pulp and kernel), above the average in this study. Mineral composition varied among samples (eleven plants), high lighting K in the pulp and P in the kernel, in quantitative term. The kernel is richer in minerals than the pulp. The pequi pulp, due of low acidity, high pH and high water activity, is very attractive to the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and predisposed to decay. Moreover, the presence of nutrients, temperature and oxygen availability are important factors to be considered during processing and storage by favoring the lipids oxidation. The results demonstrate the nutritional importance of pequi, especially their kernel due its high lipids and minerals concentrations.
Caryocar coriaceum; native fruits; chemical characterization
