Physical, chemical, and nutritional characterization of aninga fruit

Abstract

Montrichardia linifera, commonly known as aninga, belongs to the family Araceae and forms large populations on the banks of rivers and streams of the Amazon, especially in white water (muddy). Its fruit are part of the diet of fish, turtles and large herbivores, such as manatees and buffalo, thus they can be used in animal nutrition. However, despite its wide distribution in the Amazon landscape, there are no published data on the nutritional composition of this fruit. To assess its nutritional potential and to contribute to the knowledge of this species, this work aimed to carry out its physical, chemical, and nutritional characterization. Infructescence on average weighs 500 g with a set of about 80 fruits. Its nutritional value consists basically in its energy value (≅ 350 kcal), due mainly to the carbohydrate content (≅ 80%), presenting low protein value (< 0.5%). Manganese concentrations (≅ 1.800 mg kg-1) were considered toxic, far exceeding the maximum tolerable in nutrition of buffaloes (1.000 mg kg-1).