Caracterização físico-química das sementes da espécie Euterpe oleracea Mart (açaí roxo e açaí branco)

Abstract

The chemical diversity of plant species has attracted scientific attention due to its potential for multidisciplinary applications. Euterpe oleracea Mart., an Amazonian palm tree known for its açaí fruit, has varieties with distinct profiles: the purple variety, rich in bioactive compounds, and the white variety, with differentiated sensory characteristics. This study conducted a physicochemical characterization of the seeds of these varieties, aiming to evaluate their potential for scientific and technological applications. Parameters such as moisture, total lipids, ash, pH, soluble solids (°Brix) and titratable acidity were analyzed, following methodologies from AOAC and the Adolfo Lutz Institute. The results indicated moisture contents of 13.40% (purple) and 11.70% (white), in accordance with the legislation (RDC nº 263/2005). The white variety stood out for its higher lipid content (10.80g/100g), suggesting applications in functional foods, cosmetics and biofuels. The ash content (1.34 and 1.38%) revealed the presence of nutritionally relevant minerals, while the low values of soluble solids (1.20 and 1.40 °Brix) and slightly acidic pH (4.96 and 5.15) indicated adequate microbiological stability for industrial processing. The seeds, traditionally treated as waste, demonstrated promising physicochemical characteristics for sustainable technological applications. The variations observed between varieties reflect genetic and environmental influences, highlighting the need for additional comparative studies. This work contributes to the valorization of agro-industrial by-products and reinforces the potential of Amazonian biodiversity as a source of innovation, aligning with circular economy and regional development strategies