Food Composition Data: Edible Plants in Cerrado

Many food plants in Brazil possess technological potential that might well increase their economic value. Fruits found in the Cerrado biome are considered a good source of bioactive substances, mainly phenolic compounds, which makes them important functional foods. However, only the most promising species can present competitive potential as final products. Further knowledge concerning the importance of species found in the Cerrado might help preserve the biome, a positive ecological impact. This chapter provides information concerning Cerrado fruits and highlights the species presenting technological potential. Species such as Anacardium occidentale L. (caju), Annona crassiflora Mart. (araticum), Caryocar brasiliense Camb. (pequi), Dipteryx alata Vog. (baru), Eugenia dysenterica DC. (cagaita), Hancornia speciosa Gomes (mangaba), Mauritia flexuosa L.f. (buriti), Myrciaria cauliflora (Mart.) Berg (jabuticaba), Psidium guajava L. (goiaba), and Pterodon emarginatus Vogel (sucupira) are among the food plants described here. Bringing light to these plant species helps provide economic perspectives and can contribute to preservation of the Cerrado biome.