The aim of this work was to measure the chemical composition and the vitamin A, vitamin C and total phenolics compounds of 'coquinho-azedo' pulp (Butia capitata var capitata). The moisture, lipids, ash and fiber contents were determined by gravimetric methods; the mineral profile was characterized by inductively coupled plasma spectrophotometer; the pro-vitamin A value was calculate through carotenoids measure; the vitamin C content was determined by dichlorophenolindophenol method; phenolic compounds were determined by Folin-Ciocalteou method, using gallic acid and tannic acid as standards, and by vanillin method, using catechin as standard. The 'coquinho-azedo' pulp, if compared with other fruits normally consumed, presented high content of oil (2,5%), dietetic fiber (7,0%), pro-vitamin A (146,2 RAE 100g-1), vitamin C (53mg 100g-1), phenolic compounds (210mg of catechin equivalent 100g-1 of pulp, by vanillin method; 116mg of tannic acid equivalent 100g-1 of pulp, by Folin-Ciocalteou method) and potassium (516mg 100g¹). The 'coquinho-azedo' presented high potential to enrich the food of local population, especially as a source of fiber, pro-vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium, as an example that has been happening in the meals for school children at the North of the state of Minas Gerais. These results show the high value of products supplied by small farmers, presenting the cultural importance of the Butia capitata var capitata and valuing the maintenance of the variability.
coquinho-azedo; Brazilian cerrado fruit; vitamin; Butia capitata
