Frutas, sementes e amêndoas silvestres comestíveis na comunidade indígena Tunuí-Cachoeira – AM

Abstract

Indigenous populations in the Upper Rio Negro utilize natural resources very different for plant nutrition, and cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz - Euphorbiaceae) plant as key farming system. Hunting, fishing and berries collected in the forest but also seasonal food resources are very important in subsistence of Baniwa people. However, the energy composition of the diet is usually low in protein and lipids and consequently poor in essential fatty acids. This study was conducted with the objective of systematize botanical information about the edible species, besides the nutritional characterization of five species of native food of Içana River region in order to help strengthen food safety in the upper Rio Negro. The study was based on a survey conducted in 2005, with the botanical identification of 45 edible species, containing specific information of each of them, such as occurrence and uses. Initially eight species were selected from among those with less nutritional information available and greater interest in knowledge for preliminary analyzes and then delimited five species (Hymenolobium heterocarpum, Monopteryx uaucu, Parinari excelsa, Gnetum leyboldii and Hevea sp.) For specific analysis, including the fatty acid composition, using the usual methodology. The studies have shown the nutritional potential of these species, which may contribute above all to the recovery of native species in the enrichment of the diet, as well as subsidizing food security program in the Upper Rio Negro.