METABOLITES COMPOSITION OF FRESH KERNELS FROM THREE CULTIVARS OF PORTUGUESE CHESTNUT

Chestnuts have become increasingly important with respect to human health; for example, as an alternative gluten-free flour source.
In this study, were analyzed free amino acids and phenolics composition of fresh raw shelled kernels from the three main Portuguese cultivars (Longal, Judia and Martaínha). All three cultivars had high moisture contents but were low in crude fat and crude protein contents, with high starch contents.
The free amino acid contents, including various essential amino acids, varied depending on the cultivar.
All three cultivars also had a significant content of polyphenolics, including Gallic and ellagic acids lower levels of hydrolysable (ellagitannins) and condensed tannins (procyanidins). Many of these compounds are known to exert significant positive effects on human health.
The one-way analysis of variance showed significant differences among the three cultivars for most of the studied parameters.

II Iberian Congress on Chestnut

M.C. De Vasconcelos, R.N. Bennett, E.A.S. Rosa, J.V. Ferreira-Cardoso

Castanea sativa, composition, phytochemicals, health

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2008.784.4