Published 2025-07-15
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Área Agrícola

Nutritional, antioxidant and technological potential of five fruits produced in the Colombian Pacific: a review of agro-industrial processes and opportunities

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22490/21456453.8277
Dra. Ana Luisa Martínez Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó
Dra. Leidy Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó
Jhon Jerley Torres Torres Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó
Wendy Samira Rivas-Caraballo Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó
Mackcheembergs Francoees Largacha-Viveros Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó

Contextualization: Colombia's Pacific region is known for its floral diversity. Within this, some fruit and food species stand out, such as pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata), plantain (Musa paradisiaca), primitive (Musa acuminata), popocho (Musa ABB Simmonds), chontaduro (Bactris gasipaes), achín (Colocasia esculenta) and, lulo (Solanum sessiliflorum), all with high nutritional and bioactive potential.

Knowledge gap: Although these species have great potential, their nutritional and bioactive value is not fully exploited in the region. Lack of knowledge of their properties and the lack of resources for the development of derived products limit their exploitation. In addition, there are significant losses during harvesting due to the lack of local processing alternatives.  
Purpose: The objective of this work was to review the nutritional, antioxidant and technological potential of seven underutilized plant species in Chocó and to update information on their main uses.

Methodology: An exhaustive search was conducted in Scholar Google, Scielo, ScienceDirect, Springer and Scopus, focusing on the general characteristics, nutritional composition and bioactive properties of these species. Studies published in the last three decades were included, ensuring that 60% of these corresponded to the last five years. In total, 84 studies were selected for the review.

Results and conclusions: The fruits and corms analyzed show a high nutritional value. For example, pumpkin has a caloric content of 30 kcal/100 g, with carbohydrates ranging from 43.8% to 53.3%, and a fiber content of 5% to 29%. In comparison, plantain, primitivo and popocho have a caloric value of 90-93 kcal/100 g, with 22.84% carbohydrates. Chontaduro stands out with 2064 mg potassium and a significant carotenoid content (631 µg carotenes/mL). Achín, although less caloric (591 kcal/100 g), has a high content of phenolic compounds (591 mg GAE/100 g). These results show that these species possess antioxidant and bioactive properties that open new agricultural and industrial perspectives.

keywords: antioxidant activity, carbohydrates, Biogeographic Chocó, bioactive compounds, underutilized fruits, minerals, vegetable protein, plant protein
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How to Cite

Martínez Andrade, A. L. ., Hinestroza Córdoba, L. I., Torres Torres, J. J., Rivas Caraballo, W. S. . ., & Largacha-Viveros , M. F. . (2025). Nutritional, antioxidant and technological potential of five fruits produced in the Colombian Pacific: a review of agro-industrial processes and opportunities. Revista De Investigación Agraria Y Ambiental, 16(2), 29-61. https://doi.org/10.22490/21456453.8277
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