Linking geographical origin with nutritional, mineral, and visual proprieties of pinhão (Araucaria angustifolia seed) from the south of Brazil

Abstract

The effect of harvest location on cooked pinhão seeds (Araucaria angustifolia) was investigated with regard to its centesimal composition, minerals, and color, and later correlated with environmental and soil variables. Significant differences between cooked pinhão from various harvesting locations were seen; also, principal component analysis was performed for the minerals, protein, moisture, total starch, and color parameters. The geographic location was one of the most important factors. Caçador presented greater differences: lower values for moisture, minerals, geographic parameter, and color characteristics. However, nearby localities, such as Cruz Machado with Bituruna and Lapa with São João do Triunfo, presented similar overall values for minerals and geographic parameters. Each regional geographic location was able to present unique characteristics so that the principal component analysis can distinguish between the various origins. The results suggest that geographical origin is an important factor to be considered when evaluating the nutritional and sensory properties of pinhão, a traditional food from the southern region of Brazil.