Chilean Papaya (Vasconcellea pubescens): A Native Fruit with a High Health-Promoting Functional Potential.
Roberto Lemus-Mondaca1, Luis Puente-Díaz1,2, Angélica Cifuentes1
1Department of Food Science and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Pharmaceutical, Universidad de Chile, St. Dr. Carlos Lorca 964, Independencia, Santiago 8380494, Chile.
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 8, 2025
Summary
Chilean papaya (Vasconcellea pubescens) is a nutrient-rich fruit with significant medicinal and economic value. This review explores its nutritional profile, health benefits, and diverse industrial applications.
Area of Science:
- * Botany and Agronomy
- * Food Science and Technology
- * Phytochemistry
Background:
- * Vasconcellea pubescens, native to South America, is cultivated in Chile.
- * Characterized by intense aroma, yellow color, and oblong shape.
- * Valued for high carotenoid, vitamin, protein, and polysaccharide content.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To consolidate evidence on Chilean papaya (Vasconcellea pubescens) as a food matrix.
- * To examine ripening, nutritional composition, and industrial applications.
- * To explore health benefits, processing, and patents.
Main Methods:
- * Comprehensive literature review of scientific studies.
- * Analysis of nutritional composition and bioactive compounds.
- * Examination of industrial processing techniques and patents.
Main Results:
- * Chilean papaya is a functional food with antioxidant and antidiabetic properties.
- * Contains bioactive compounds with antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing effects.
- * Diverse applications include food products, papaya oil extraction, and bioactive compound encapsulation.
Conclusions:
- * Vasconcellea pubescens offers significant nutritional and health benefits.
- * Its processing and bioactive compounds present diverse industrial and commercial opportunities.
- * Further research can enhance the utilization of this valuable fruit.
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