CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARECTERIZTION OF FRUITS FROM CERRADO: CURRIOLA, GABIROBA AND MURICI

The Cerrado biome features a variety of fruit species with peculiar sensory characteristics, but little explored scientifically and commercially. This study aimed the chemical, physical and nutritional characterization of curriola (Pouteria ramiflora), gabiroba (Campomanesia cambessedeana) and murici (Byrsonima verbascifolia), native fruits of the Brazilian Cerrado. Gabiroba had a high amount of Vitamin C (383.33 mg/100g) and showed a significant proportion of pulp (81.52%). Curriola showed considerable crude fiber (8.18%), while murici had a considerable amount of pectin (746.81 mg/100 g), lipids (2.31 %) and expressive antioxidant potential (56 mg DPPH/g fruit). These results can be used as a basis for future researches in order to improve bioactive compounds and manufacturing processes of those fruits.