Licuri is a palm tree from the semiarid regions of Bahia State, Brazil. It is an important source of food and feed in that region, since their nuts are commonly eaten by humans and used as maize substitute for poultry feeding. Analysis of dietary composition revealed a high caloric content. Lipids and proteins are the main components of the nuts, and beta-carotene is an important component of the pulp fruit. The potential of the fruits as a vitamin complement for school children in the semiarid regions of Bahia is discussed.
Syagrus coronata; beta-carotene; A vitamin; palms
