Chemical composition of faveleira (Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus) seeds collected in different seasons

ABSTRACT Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus, popularly known as favela or faveleira, is a species of the caatinga vegetation highly resistant to drought, with high nutritional content, and having several uses. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of different seasons on the chemical composition of faveleira seeds in the region of Seridó/RN. The seeds collected in different seasons were separated into 3 lots (lot 1 - rainy season; lot 2 - initial dry season; lot 3 - prolonged dry season), ground, and analyzed for moisture, ash, lipids, protein, and carbohydrates. The chemical analysis the seeds showed predominance of lipids and proteins. The results showed that moisture was significant different (p < 0.05) between all the lots; the ash content in lot 1 was significantly (p < 0.05) lower (4.67 ± 0.18) than lot 3 (4.96 ± 0.08); and protein content was highest in lot 3 (30.42 ± 1.63) and significantly (p < 0.05) different from the others. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) for lipids between the lots, with lot 2 showing the lowest content (21.57 ± 0.37). Significant difference (p < 0.05) was also found for carbohydrates between the lots, with lot 1 (14.37 ± 1.83) having the lowest content and lot 2 (39.17 ± 0.52) the highest content. The differences observed between the lots are attributed to the harvest of the seeds in different seasonal periods. The results show that the seasonal period influences the nutritional value of faveleira seeds, and that better forms of use need to be identified according to the period of harvesting. RESUMO Na vegetação da caatinga a Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus, popularmente conhecida como favela ou faveleira, destaca-se por ser uma planta altamente resistente a seca e de alto teor nutricional, apresentando diversas aplicações. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência de diferentes períodos sazonais na composição química da semente da faveleira da região Seridó/RN. As sementes, separadas em 3 lotes por períodos sazonais diferentes (lote 1 - época chuvosa; lote 2 - estiagem inicial; lote 3 - estiagem prolongada), foram trituradas e analisadas quanto aos teores de umidade, cinzas, lipídios, proteínas e carboidratos. Verificou-se que as sementes da faveleira apresentaram predominância de lipídios e de proteínas. Na análise de umidade observou-se diferença significativa (p < 0,05) entre todos os lotes, o teor de cinzas foi significativamente (p < 0,05) menor no lote 1 (4,67 ± 0,18) quando comparado ao lote