Indigenous Species Appropriate Use, a Support Towards Sustainability: Zapote Mamey (Pouteria Zapota) in Mesoamerica

摘要

This research deals with the appropriate use for nutritional and colateral uses of indigenous vegetable products from Mesoamerica through the investigation of its physicochemical and nutritional characteristics, not only to preserve them but also to use them in a holistic manner. Ancient Mesoamerican cultures gave to zapote mamey (Pouteria sapota) culinary, cosmetic, and pharmacological uses. This research dealt with the laboratory characterization of the pulp and seed. Results obtained indicate that, for the seed, its contents of fatty acids are very high, with important thermal properties. This is one of the reasons why this fruit was highly appreciated by these autochthonous cultures. Therefore, optimization of the fatty acids extraction was carried out in order to increase the fatty acids yield and the preservation of its chemical and thermal characteristics. These results may serve as the basis for an appropriate technology to use this indigenous resource for the benefit of the communities that still live where zapote trees grow.