IMPACT OF AGROINDUSTRIAL PROCESSING AND GEOGRAPHIC ORIGIN ON THE BIOACTIVE PROFILE OF BLACK MASHUA (TROPAEOLUM TUBEROSUM) FLOUR

Andean tubers are gaining global attention as functional ingredients due to their phytochemical profile. Black mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum) stands out for its high concentration of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. However, the effect of agroindustrial processing and geographic origin on the retention of these compounds is poorly documented. This study evaluated the effect of processing into flour and geographic origin (Punap, Chimbote, 3966 m a.s.l., and Catilluc, Cajamarca, 2847 m a.s.l.) on the total soluble phenolic compounds (TSPC), antioxidant capacity, and color of black mashua flour. The traceable tubers were washed, peeled, chopped, and dehydrated (<9% moisture) prior to milling. Color (CIELab), TSPC by Folin-Ciocalteu (mg GAE/g), and antioxidant capacity by ABTS⁺ (µmol TE/g) were evaluated. The results showed that processing into flour enhanced the retention of bioactives. Catilluc flour had the highest TSPC (1.43 ± 0.05 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant capacity (1,528.5 ± 136.0 µmol TE/g), surpassing the fresh extract (0.071 ± 0.001 mg GAE/g and 123.1 µmol TE/g). On a dry matter (DM) basis, Catilluc flour maintained its superiority (1.57 mg GAE/g DM and 1,679.5 µmol TE/g DM compared to 0.41 and 715.9 for the extract), confirming that the increase is the result of the release of bound phenolics through the mechanical disruption of the lignocellulosic matrix. Catilluc outperformed Punap (0.98 mg GAE/g and 1,137.7 µmol TE/g in flour). Instrumental color corroborated this high pigment retention, where Catilluc flour presented a dark tone with a reddish-purple tendency (L* = 31.19; a* = 4.53; b* = -0.53), compared to Punap's profile (L* = 30.85; a* = -11.89; b* = -5.47). Although Punap is located at a higher altitude (3966 m a.s.l.), the bioactive superiority of Catilluc (2847 m a.s.l.) shows that the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites does not depend exclusively on altitudinal stress (UV radiation). The strong genotype-environment interaction, along with Catilluc's specific microclimatic stressors (such as greater daily thermal amplitude, edaphic or water stress), act as potent primary elicitors of the phenylpropanoid pathway. In conclusion, Catilluc black mashua flour represents a hyper-concentrated functional matrix, positioning its processing as a viable strategy for the development of nutraceuticals.

This research was funded by the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnologia e Innovacion Tecnologica (CONCYTEC) and the Programa Nacional de Investigacion Cientifica y Estudios Avanzados (PROCIENCIA), through the call E077-2023-01-BM “Becas para Programas de Doctorado en Alianzas Interinstitucionales”(Grant No. PE501092412-2024) and the call E033-2023-01-BM “Alianzas Interinstitucionales para Programas de Doctorado” (Grant No. PE501084298-2023). Thanks to CNPq for the research scholarship provided to M.S. (312759/2025-8).