Structure and Composition of Latin-American Crops

• Published in: Latin-American Seeds Vol. 1; pp. 119 - 159
• Main Authors: Borczak, Barbara, Marqués, José María Coll, Paredes-López, Octavio, Haros, Claudia M.
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: United Kingdom Routledge 2023; Taylor & Francis Group
• Edition: 1
• Subjects: Lupinus Mutabilis; physical properties; Dark Brown Seeds; Chia Seeds; Amaranth Starch; Plukenetia Volubilis; Latin-American crops; Seed Coat; Close Images; seed structure; Amino Acid Profile; Oleaginous Seeds; Up Close Images; Amaranthus Hypochondriacus; Dietary Fiber; Gluten Free Bread Formulation; proximate composition; Salvia Hispanica; Resistant Starch; Flax Seeds; Orange Yellow Color; Lupinus Luteus; Approximate Height; De Lamo; Tip Cap
• ISBN: 9780367531454; 9781032367392; 0367531453; 1032367393
• DOI: 10.1201/9781003088424-4

The purpose of this chapter is to present an overview of the existing and newest knowledge related to the composition and structure of Latin-American crops in order to better recognize and adjust their storage, handling, and treatment to maintain and express their best possible quality. Such knowledge is also important in guaranteeing the more effective application and development of food products. Among the Latin-American crops, the following cultivars were considered for this study: cereals (maize grown in the Latin-American region, Zea mays); pseudo-cereals (amaranth, Amaranthus spp; quinoa, Chenopodium quinoa); kañiwa (Chenopodium pallidicaule); oilseeds (chia, Salvia hipsanica L.); sacha inchi (Plukentia volubilis); and legumes (black turtle bean, Phaseolus vulgaris; tarwi, Lupinus mutabilis). They differ in shape, size, and composition, but their invaluable nutritional and nutraceutical properties that include high protein and essential amino acids contents plus peptides with several health properties, polyunsaturated lipids including essential fatty acids, and dietary fiber make them humanity's promising crops, which have the potential to contribute to food security in the 21st century not only in Latin America but also worldwide.