Articles
Cactus fruit jiotilla (Escontria chiotilla [Weber] Britt. & Rose), a valuable functional food from Mexico
Article number
1452_53
Pages
413 – 418
Language
English
Abstract
The world knows nearly 400 cacti species, but Mexico has 699. In Puebla and Oaxaca states, there are at least 81 Cactaceae species.
Jiotilla is the fruit of a cactus tree (Escontria chiotilla [Weber] Britt. & Rose), which grows in the semi-arid Lower Mixteca region in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Its canopy may cover up to 100 m2, with up to 150 thorned branches, conforming to the upper part.
A single branch may produce up to 20 fruits.
They are small and round, with an average of 3.5 cm in diameter.
They are ripe purple (known as llegadas) or ripe green berries (known as camaguas), their position concerning the sun rays determines their color, and their epidermis holds soft, yellow, cellophane paper-like scales.
It has no thorns like other cacti fruits.
Their pulp is also purple, sometimes red, with numerous little black seeds embedded in it.
They are non-climacteric fruits, with an average of 1.62 CO2 kg‑1 h‑1, and their harvest index is fruit filling.
Their flavor is sour-sweet, and their pH is 4.2, 10-12 °Brix.
Their proximal analysis determines their suitability for marmalades, jams, and dressing products.
They also have betalains, which make them a functional food as they are antioxidants that help to avoid or alleviate colon cancer.
They also kill general cancer cells.
They have pectin and fibers, which help to depurate intestines, and they can reduce blood glucose levels.
It should be interesting to taste this valuable exotic cactus fruit.
Jiotilla is the fruit of a cactus tree (Escontria chiotilla [Weber] Britt. & Rose), which grows in the semi-arid Lower Mixteca region in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Its canopy may cover up to 100 m2, with up to 150 thorned branches, conforming to the upper part.
A single branch may produce up to 20 fruits.
They are small and round, with an average of 3.5 cm in diameter.
They are ripe purple (known as llegadas) or ripe green berries (known as camaguas), their position concerning the sun rays determines their color, and their epidermis holds soft, yellow, cellophane paper-like scales.
It has no thorns like other cacti fruits.
Their pulp is also purple, sometimes red, with numerous little black seeds embedded in it.
They are non-climacteric fruits, with an average of 1.62 CO2 kg‑1 h‑1, and their harvest index is fruit filling.
Their flavor is sour-sweet, and their pH is 4.2, 10-12 °Brix.
Their proximal analysis determines their suitability for marmalades, jams, and dressing products.
They also have betalains, which make them a functional food as they are antioxidants that help to avoid or alleviate colon cancer.
They also kill general cancer cells.
They have pectin and fibers, which help to depurate intestines, and they can reduce blood glucose levels.
It should be interesting to taste this valuable exotic cactus fruit.
Authors
L. Yáñez-López, J. Soriano-Santos, C. Jiménez S., M.L. Martínez, M.A. Armella
Keywords
new products, alternative resources, functional food, betalains, antioxidants
Groups involved
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