ABSTRACT:
Unconventional vegetable plant species in certain localities or regions, are so called due to have been gradually forgotten and undervaluated. Because of changes in eating behavior, the consumption of these vegetables was reduced causing economic, social and cultural losses. The rescue of this consumption is of great importance to preserve the Brazilian biodiversity, nutritional benefits, as well as new sources of natural antioxidants for the food industry. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition of plant species called unconventional vegetables: purslane (Portulaca oleracea), bertalha (Basella rubra), pigweed (Amaranthus viridis), peixinho (Stachis lanata) and sorrel (Rumex acetosa), as well as the food potential based on the value of these characteristics. With respect to minerals, pigweed showed the highest levels of nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, sulfur and iron. The highest content of phenolic compounds was detected in peixinho, as well as the lowest concentration of condensed tannins (0,14 Eag/g extract). Regarding total carotenoids, pigweed had the highest concentration, but the content of β-carotene was higher for peixinho, sorrel type I and bertalha. The methanolic extract of peixinho presented a strong sequestration capacity of free radical. The highest proportion of protein was detected in sorrel (type I and II). The levels of protein, minerals and bioactive compounds found in these unconventional vegetables, characterize these vegetables with high nutritional potential, so that their regular consumption can bring benefits to human health.
Keywords:
Portulaca oleracea; Basella rubra; Amaranthus viridis; Stachis lanata; Rumex acetosa; nutritional quality.
