Generation of analytical food composition data for traditionally consumed fruits and vegetables in Costa Rica

Abstract

The objective of this research was to generate food composition data for fruits and vegetables of traditional consumption in Costa Rica. The sampling plan was carried out considering seasonality, producing areas, commercialization, and cultivar. The number of primary samples (n) was determined using Cochran’s formula with a coefficient of variation of 12% and a maximum estimated error (r) of 5% for the content of vitamin C in fruits and vegetables. The samples were collected in wholesale markets of Costa Rica. Eleven foods were analyzed in the form that they are usually consumed. A determination of mass (g), size (cm), and edible fraction, was made, and the following nutrients were analyzed (in triplicate): protein, fat, fatty acid profile, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, content of minerals (Na, Ca, K, P, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mg, Se), fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. The analyzed foods were Cas (Costa Rican guava, Psidium friedrichsthalianum), Granadilla (Passiflora ligularis), Jocote (Spondias purpurea), Sweet lime (Citrus limettioides), Water apple (Syzygium malaccense), Cashew (Anacardium occidentale), Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis), Peach palm (Bactris gasipaes) and Tacaco (Sechium tacaco). Tacaco is endemic to Costa Rica. Most of these fruits and vegetables provide significant amounts of fiber, some minerals, and vitamins, especially vitamin C.