The fruit of peach palm (Bactris gasipaes) and its technological potential: an overview

Abstract

The Amazon hosts numerous fruit species, which are consumed by the local population and distributed by the local economy in the commerce markets, but most of them are unknown to the general population. Therefore, for a better understanding of the Amazon biome, the main objective of this review was to describe the physicochemical, nutritional and biological characteristics of the peach palm, highlighting its antioxidant potential. The peach palm tree is considered a polyvalent palm native to tropical Latin America, predominantly cultivated by small farmers in agroforestry systems, its fruits present high potential for functional food production because of the presence of bioactive compounds in its composition, and high nutritive value with considerable amounts of carbohydrates and lipids, as well as it provides an important source of vitamin A. Thus, an approach has been taken on the main topics for further studies that may benefit the industry and improve the local economy where these fruits are found. In view of this, the dissemination of works already performed with this fruit, strategically relevant, can stimulate new lines of research to consolidate this field for food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Keywords:
Bactris gasipaes; carotenoids; fatty acids; nutritional composition; palm peach