| Popis: |
The arid and semi-arid regions of Mexico represent 65 % of the national territory and 50 % of Mexican dryland floras are endemic and accompanied by ample local and traditional knowledge. There are types of cactus fruits that are being technologically produced. However, there are other components such as seeds and peels that are underutilized or being wasted, which are little studied and could be promoted for sustainable use as valuable materials with applications in coating food, as biopolymers in the cosmetic industry, food, and agriculture, in addition to health area. The genera of Opuntia ficus-indica, Hylocereus sp., Stenocereus spp. and Myrtillocactus geometrizans contain bioactive compounds in seeds and peels that are associated with antioxidant and nutritional benefits. The purpose of this review is to compile the nutritional and functional properties of the seeds and peels of selected cactus fruits, to establish knowledge gaps and the direction of future research. |
