Introduction. The fruits of
the Brazilian Savannah have potential to improve the human diet,
income generation and, consequently, the quality of life for socially
vulnerable families. Among the native fruits of the Savannah, one
that stands out is the ‘jatobá do cerrado’ (Hymenaea stigonocarpa).
Therefore, the physical characteristics, chemical composition (titratable
acidity, soluble solids, pH, moisture, ash, proteins, lipids and
total dietary fiber), occurrence and content of vitamin C (ascorbic
and dehydroascorbic acids), carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin
and lycopene), vitamin E (α, β, γ and δ-tocopherols and tocotrienols)
and folates (tetrahydrofolate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and 5-formyltetrahydrofolate)
were evaluated in pulp of ‘jatobá do cerrado’ from the Brazilian
Savannah. Materials and methods. The length, diameter,
mass and fruit yield were evaluated. The titratable acidity was
determined by volumetric neutralization; pH by potentiometry; soluble
solids by refractometry; moisture using an oven; ash using a muffle furnace;
proteins 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. The jatobá do cerrado’ presented low pulp yield (17.1%)
and moisture (8.8 g×100 g–1), and high contents of total dietary
fiber (44.3 g×100 g–1), protein (5.6 mg×100 g–1) and energy (193.0 kcal×100 g–1).
The fruit presented reduced contents of carotenoids and vitamin C [(0.4
and 8.9) mg×100 g–1, respectively]. The contents of vitamin E and
folates [(53.5 and 495.5) μg×100 g–1, respectively] were higher
than in other widely consumed fruits. Conclusion. The
‘jatobá do cerrado’ is a source of vitamin C, good source of folates, and
excellent source of dietary fiber. Due to its nutritional value,
‘jatobá do cerrado’ is an important dietary alternative; thus, its consumption
should be encouraged.