Characterization of the mucilage extracted from jaracatiá (Carica quercifolia (A. St. Hil.) Hieron)

•Jacaratiá mucilage is a heteropolymer presenting a complex monosaccharide mixture in its constitution.•Essays have shown they have good surface activity, being a quite reactive compounds.•Thermal stability was evaluated at temperatures up to 150°C. The mucilage of the jaracatiá fruit (Carica quercifolia (A. St. Hil.) Hieron) was extracted and for physicochemical characterization. The monosaccharide composition showed the presence of Rha, Ara, Xyl, Gal, Glc and GalA, being confirmed by GC–MS, FTIR and NMR. The mucilage was obtained in crude form by lyophilization of the extract and by precipitation, a process that resulted in a partial purification. Although not remarkable, it showed an antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. The thermogravimetric analysis indicated an easy handling at temperatures below 250°C. The natural reactivity of the material indicates for uses such as adsorbent or raw material for membranes.