ELABORAÇÃO E CARACTERIZAÇÃO FÍSICO-QUÍMICA E DE COMPOSTOS FENÓLICOS DE FARINHA DE ORA-PRO-NÓBIS (Pereskia aculeata)

Abstract

Pereskia aculeata (ora-pro-nóbis), belongs to the Cactaceae family. It is an arboreal plant with several large and pointed thorns on its branches, and with large and succulent leaves, being classified as an unconventional vegetable. It is known that this vegetable has a high protein content, and in its composition iron and calcium stand out. Therefore, the objective of this work was to carry out the physical-chemical characterization and mineral content of ora-pro-nobis flour. Moisture, protein, pH, acidity, water activity and phenolic compounds analyzes in aqueous and alcoholic extracts were determined in triplicate. The realization of this work demonstrated that ora-pro-nobis presents a great nutritional potential, in particular the concentration of iron and its protein value, confirming that the introduction of this vegetable in the diet of the Brazilian population would contribute to a better nutritional condition and to the reduction of iron deficiency, when included in their diet.