GRUMIXAMA-AÇU (Eugenia villaenovae Kiaersk.) FRUIT: A NEW SOURCE OF CAROTENOIDS

Grumixama-açu (Eugenia villaenovae Kiaersk) is a species of the Myrtaceae family endemic to the Atlantic Forest, which is currently classified as endangered. Its fruits are rounded and flattened at the poles, with a thin purple peel and sweet, orange pulp. There is no information in the literature about the nutritional characterization and the content of bioactive compounds in this fruit. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the carotenoids content and profile in the grumixama-açu edible parts. The ripe fruits were collected in Seropédica/RJ. The carotenoids were extracted from the edible part of the fruit (pulp and peel) with 3g of celite and acetone as solvent, until the characteristic color disappear. The filtrate was processed to remove the aqueous phase, being filtered again and following a spectrophotometer reading at 450 nm for total carotenoid content determination. The samples were then analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with photodiode array detector, a C30 YMC^® S-3 Carotenoid Column (4.6 x 250 mm; 3 µm). Carotenoids separation was obtained by a gradient elution of methanol and methyl tert-butyl ether. The carotenoids were quantified by external calibration with analytical standards. The levels of total carotenoids in the fruit was 25649.00 ± 880.35 µg/100g, the major carotenoid was lycopene (11002.67 ± 108.01 µg/100g), followed by β-cryptoxanthin (8752.33 ± 242.01 µg/100g) and lutein (997.00 ± 9.84 µg/100g). The carotenoids levels were higher than those of other fruits considered rich in these compounds, such as guava, papaya and mango. Thus, this still unknown Brazilian fruit stands out as an excellent source of carotenoids, presenting potential use as a functional food. Based on the results obtained, we hope to contribute to the scientific valorization and consequent conservation of this species.