Physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of gluten-free breads made with pine nuts (Araucaria angustifolia) associated to other flours

Sensory properties of Australian bunya nuts

Abstract

Bunya nuts are the seeds of Araucaria bidwillii, a conifer native to South‐East Queensland, Australia. They are one of the 19 species of Araucaria family found around the world, with the nuts from South America being the most commonly consumed. They are traditionally eaten boiled or roasted. This study aims to profile the sensory properties of bunya nuts with chestnut as a comparator. Since chestnuts do not come from a conifer tree, it is expected that there will be differences. Different methods of preparation are also expected to change the sensory attributes. Representative samples were collected from a variety of locations in South‐East Queensland, prepared and presented to a panel of 14 experienced tasters applying conventional sensory descriptive profiling.

Practical Application

There is an increase demand for local, sustainable, and natural foods. Bunya nuts are native to Australia and are part of the Araucaria family, which includes 19 species that can be found around the world. To the best of our knowledge there is no study characterizing Araucaria nuts in terms of sensory attributes. This study builds a lexicon for bunya nuts and compares to chestnuts. It also shows how different preparation methods affect its sensory attributes, as well as possible future uses in product development. The outcomes might provide information to support studies on Araucaria nuts in other countries.

Elemental composition and nutritional value of Araucaria angustifolia seeds from subtropical Brazil

Consumed by populations in South America, Araucaria angustifolia seeds have received little study regarding elemental composition and nutritional value. Thirty-five seed sites from subtropical Brazil were sampled and seed concentrations of C, N, K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Mo, Ni, Co, Cr, Ba, and Cd were determined. The highest concentration of N was observed in samples from regions with Cfa climate (humid subtropical, oceanic climate, without dry season with hot summer) and igneous rock, which was superior to regions with Cfb climate (humid subtropical, oceanic climate, without dry season with temperate summer) and metamorphic rock. Seeds can be a source of nutrients: K (11.8 g kg-1), P (4.1 g kg-1), Mn (9.1 mg kg-1), Cu (7.2 mg kg-1), Mo (0.93 mg kg-1), and Cr (0.65 mg kg-1). Values for Ba (0.93 mg kg-1) and Cd (0.19 mg kg-1) indicated no risk to human health. This study expands knowledge regarding the elemental composition of A. angustifolia. Results indicate that these seeds have nutritional value, and their consumption can be a good strategy to improve overall human nutrition in this region of South America.