Abstract Butia capitata, native to the Brazilian cerrado, is underutilized for human consumption. The objective was to determine the physical characteristics of the fruit, centesimal composition, bioactive and antioxidant activity. Fruits obtained in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Diameter, height and weight were evaluated. The moisture was analyzed by gravimetry after oven drying, ashes by calcining in a muffle furnace, proteins by the Kjeldahl method, gravimetric lipids after extraction in ethyl ether, carbohydrates by difference and total energy value by conversion factors. Vitamin C, E and carotenoids were analyzed by HPLC, minerals by inductively coupled plasma atomic absorption spectrometry, Folin Ciocalteu solution phenolic compounds, anthocyanins by spectrophotometry and antioxidant capacity by the Radical DPPH. The fruits presented good pulp yield (68.59%), which has a high lipid content (3.42 g.100 g-1) and total energy (83.34 kcal.100 g-1). The pulp contains ß-carotene (8.56 mg.100 g-1), vitamin E (121.07 mcg.100 g-1) and high concentrations of vitamin C (53.57 mg.100 g-1), total phenolics (493, 6 mg.100 g-1) and copper (1.80 mg.100 g-1). Almond has a high value of total energy (457.72 kcal.100 g-1), vitamin E (1594.39 mcg.100 g-1) and minerals Cu (2.40 mg.100 g-1) and Mo (0.9.100 g-1). The pulp is a source of carotenoids, vitamin C, copper and total phenolics, both natural antioxidants.

Abstract Erechtites valerianifolia (Wolf) DC is an unconventional vegetable found in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Is consumed in high proportions by the population living in this biome. The objective of this study was to investigate the general chemical composition, occurrence and content of carotenoids, vitamins (C and E) and minerals in this vegetable. By the micro-Kjeldhal method it was determined proteins. It was determined total dietary fiber (TDF) by non-enzymatic gravimetric method. Carotenoids and vitamins were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) it was determined minerals. E. valerianifolia presented concentrations of TDF (3.7 g 100 g-1), ash (0.9 g 100-1), lipids (1.4 g 100-1), carbohydrates (2.9 g 100-1), proteins (1.3 g 100-1), caloric density (29.2 kcal 100-1), Vit. A (373.9 µg 100-1 RAE), K (561.2 mg 100-1), Ca (79.5 mg 100-1) and Fe (21.6 mg 100-1). It is considered that this vegetable is source of Ca, good source of fiber and K, and an excellent source of pro-vitamin A, Mn, Se, Fe, Mo and Cu, which may reduce food and nutritional insecurity in the population, mainly in the region where this species is found.

RESUMO: Quatro hortaliças não convencionais mais consumidas foram analisadas cruas e após as técnicas de cocção utilizadas rotineiramente pelos agricultores familiares: ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.); mostarda selvagem (Sinapis arvensis L.), serralha (Sonchus arvensis L) e capiçova (Erechtites valeriana). A composição química foi determinada de acordo com a AOAC. A vitamina C, vitamina E e os carotenoides foram determinados por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE), e compostos fenólicos e minerais foram determinados por espectrofotometria. As concentrações de vitamina E e carotenoides foram maiores na mostarda selvagem (7,68 mg.100 g-1e 7,45 mg.100 g-1, respectivamente). A cocção reduziu a concentração de alguns minerais nas hortaliças não convencionais, mas aumentou as concentrações de vitaminas e carotenoides. As hortaliças apresentaram alto teor de minerais, mas baixa concentração protéica e valor energético total. As hortaliças não convencionais podem ser consideradas de excelente valor nutricional. O consumo frequente dessas hortaliças pode contribuir para melhorar a alimentação dos agricultores e suas famílias.

ABSTRACT: Four most consumed non-conventional vegetables were analyzed raw and after cooking techniques routinely used by family farmers: ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.); wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.), serralha (Sonchus arvensis L), and capiçova (Erechtites valeriana). Chemical composition was determined according to AOAC. Vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, and phenolic compounds and minerals by spectrophotometry. Vitamin E and carotenoids concentrations were higher in stir fried wild mustard (7.68 mg.100 g-1 and 7.45 mg.100 g-1, respectively). Cooking reduced some minerals concentration in the non-conventional vegetables, but increased vitamins and carotenoids concentrations. The vegetables presented high content of minerals but low protein concentration and total energy content. Non-conventional vegetables can be considered of excellent nutritional value and frequent consumption of these vegetables can contribute to improve the feeding of farmers and their families.