Abstract – Introduction. The Cerrado is a Brazilian biome that has a large
plant heterogeneity. Among the fruit species of the Cerrado, the tamarind stands out due
to its economic potential and use in human feeding. Our study evaluated the physical and
physicochemical characteristics, and occurrence and content of vitamin C, carotenoids,
vitamin E and folates in tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) from the Cerrado
of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Materials and methods. The length, diameter, mass
and fruit yield of tamarind were evaluated. Titratable acidity was determined by
volumetric neutralization, pH by potentiometry, soluble solids by refractometry, moisture
using an oven, ash using a muffle furnace, protein by the micro-Kjeldhal method, total
dietary fiber by the gravimetric non-enzymatic method, and lipids with a Soxhlet
extractor. Vitamin C and carotenoids were analyzed by HPLC-DAD, and vitamin E and folates
by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Results and discussion. Tamarind pulp is
composed mainly of carbohydrates (50.07 g·100 g–1) and moisture (35.29 g·100 g–1); it can
be considered a good source of dietary fiber (4.13 g·100 g–1). The pH, titratable acidity
and soluble solids are 2.95, 18.52 g tartaric acid·100 g–1 and 44.00 °Brix, respectively.
Contents of vitamin C (4.79 mg·100 g–1) and folates (59.35 µg·100 g–1) in the tamarind are
higher than those observed in traditional fruits. However, the fruit presents low vitamin
E content (108.78 µg·100 g–1). Conclusion. The tamarind stands out due to its
nutritional value, being a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, and an excellent
source of folates.