Characterization of post-harvest waste of two varieties from quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) cultivated in Tucumán as ingredients for balanced foods formulation

Abstract

Composition and toxicity of panicles and stems of Chenopodium quinoa Willd. were studied, varieties Faro and CICA-17 cultivated in Amaicha del Valle (Tucumán Province). After harvesting and threshing, the residues from both varieties were processed obtaining hydroalcoholic extracts by conventional maceration and microwave-assisted extraction. The phenolic compound content was higher in panicle extracts resulting from assisted extraction, the values were 14.81 ± 0.07 and 14.20 ± 0.15 mg EAG/g dw for CICA-17 and Faro varieties, respectively. Saponins were detected only in panicle extracts of both varieties at very low concentrations compared to the typically reported values for quinoa grains. The chemical composition of stem residues, including organic nitrogen, moisture, protein, total lipids, ash, Ca+2, and Mg+2 ions content was determined. Results showed similar organic nitrogen and protein percentages in the residues of both quinoa varieties, whereas the total lipid concentration was higher in Faro variety (4.68 mg Lip/g dw). Faro also exhibited higher content values regarding calcium and magnesium ions, total ash, and total moisture. The extracts of the residues of both quinoa varieties showed neither hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes nor acute cytotoxicity against Artemia salina nauplii. Based on the results obtained, it is proposed that the post-harvest residues from both quinoa varieties could be used as supplement/complement forage in the formulation of balanced animal feed in regional livestock production, reinforcing the idea that quinoa is a multipurpose crop.