Eugenia neonitida, Sobral (Myrtaceae) occurs naturally in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo. Generally, it is a shrub, but it can reach up to 2,5m of height. It blooms from August to November and fructifies from October to December. Their fruits, popularly called "Pitangão", are oblong and during the maturation process the fruit color turns from green to bright yellow when ripe. They present a bittersweet taste and a pleasant fragrance, what makes much appreciated by local population. Analytical determinations revealed that 100g of pulp possess high concentration of water and low caloric value, 54,21 kcal, originated from 3,21 ± 0,25 g of lipids, 2,2 ± 0,86g of proteins, 0,55 ± 0,03g of carbohydrates, beyond 6g of soluble solids and high concentration of minerals, specially sodium with 480,8mg.100g-1. Total acidity is 1,38 ± 0,03g of NaOH.100g-1, pH is 2,85 and concentration of ascorbic acid is 17,86 ± 0,06 mg.100g-1. The value of beta-carotene is 60 ± 0,04 mg.100g-1. When compared the "Pitangão" pulp with of the Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora L.) it was verified larger nutritional values for the first one. The "Pitangão" can be a great source of macro and micronutrients for human nutrition, although its cultivation and commercialization is not implemented yet.
Myrtaceae; Eugenia neonitida; pitangão; nutrition facts
