Caracterização nutricional e funcional de flores e raízes tuberosas de dália (Dahlia spp.)

Abstract

Dahlia (dahlia spp.) is a plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, and is commonly used for ornamental purposes, but has already been widely cultivated due to the food interest of its tuberous roots and flowers, which were consumed as vegetables. It is currently classified in Brazil as non-conventional vegetable and stands out for its possible nutritional and functional properties. Within the perspective of deepening knowledge about the benefits of tuberous roots and dahlia flowers in human nutrition, the present work aimed to evaluate the nutritional and bioactive properties of tuberous roots and purple dahlia flowers, elucidating their potential and safety consumption. Analyzes of centesimal composition, pH, total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, ratio, anthocyanins, carotenoids, Vitamin C, total phenolics, tannins, nitrates and minerals of tuberous roots and dahlia flowers were performed. The results were analyzed by means and standard deviations and exploratory factor analysis was performed. Both for flower and root, constituents required for good nutrition were observed in concentrations similar to vegetables present in human food, such as anthocyanins content of 7.40 mg 100g-1 for flower, total phenolics with 66.74 mg 100g-1 and 111.99 mg 100g-1 for root and flower, respectively, vitamin C content of 153.68 mg 100g-1 for root and 101.67 mg 100g-1 for flower, among others. In addition, low calorie foods were shown, with high water content and low ether extract. The components said to be antinutritional were comparable to those of commonly consumed foods, the root did not present nitrate, and for flower, acceptable values were found (56.11 mg 100g-1). For tannins the flower content was 152.91 mg 100g-1, and the root content 380.94 mg 100g-1. Thus, it is evident that the dahlia flower and root have potential for use in human food, and can be considered as good options to increase and diversify a healthy diet.