Superfoods in the production systems of the northern Amazon of Ecuador: A case study

Abstract

In the northern part of the Ecuadorian Amazon, Amazonian and exotic crops and fruit trees are part of the agrobiodiversity in the production systems or chakra. This study aimed to identify the diversity of species in the production systems that contribute to food security as foods with high nutritional value, functional or superfoods, in the provinces of Orellana and Sucumbíos. The information was collected through directed surveys and direct observation. At least 20 potential species were identified from an agricultural, nutritional and market point of view. The main species identified were: achiote (Bixia Orellana), achotillo (Nephelium lappaceum), aerial potato (Dioscorea sp), sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum), coconut (Cocos nucifera), plantain (Musa sp), sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis), tree peanut (Caryodendron orinocense), chontaduro (Bactris gasipaes), avocado (Persea americana), citrus (Citrus spp.), Amazonian coriander (Eryngium foetidum), turmeric (Curcuma longa), breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis), morete (Mauritia flexuosa), acai (Euterpe oleracea), ginger (Zingiber officinale), tusilla corn (Zea mays), cassava (Manihot esculenta) and tree grape (Pourouma cecropiifolia). These crops are grown in the chakras, mostly in polycultures with cacao, coffee, musaceae, fruit trees, vegetables, legumes, and medicinal, aromatic and spicy plants. Ninety percent of the farmers do not add value to their crops; 10% produce flour, syrup, nectar, cocktail, jams, pulp, beverages, and Coladas. The most consumed species are Chinese potato, morete, avocado, orange, lemons, malanga, badea, cassava, chontaduro, banana and breadfruit. These crops are called superfoods because they provide a valuable nutritional contribution with beneficial properties for the organism.