New food products from Prosopis fruits in Latin America: a base for the extension of the culture and the prevention of desertification in arid zones

Objective

Prosopis spp are leguminous plants grown wild in arid zones of America, Africa and Asia.
The trees produce mesquite pods that are palatable to humans. Prosopis pallida and Prosopis juliflora are found in large desertic areas of Peru and Mexico.
On the other hand, Ceratonia siliqua is a perennial leguminous cultivated in the Mediterranean area producing carob pods.

Both mesquite and carob pods have some compositional and morphological similarities.

Nevertheless, while CP is a valuable product of exportation and their uses in the food industry are well established, the use of MP is currently almost completely inexistent.
The development of food products from MP is essential for the extension of the culture, which is recommended to prevent desertization.
Taken into account the industrial and scientifical experience on CP in Europe, the following interdisciplinar studies are planed:
- Obtention of syrup and dietary fibres rich in polyphenols from the MP pulp.
- Obtention of gum (galactomannan) from MP seeds.
- Physicochemical and rheological characterization and study of the physiological properties (in vitro and clinical studies) of the products. - Plantation of Prosopis trees in the Southeast of Spain.

The participants provide a wide range of facilities for the development of the project (experimental field of Prosopis and Ceratonia trees, in Peru and Spain, pilot plants and industrial plant, scientific equipment and methodology, experience in E.C.projects of this area).

The results may contribute to improve the socioeconomic status of farmers in desertic zones of Latin America and to protect the environment of these areas by preventing them from desertification.
Additionaly, the possible plantation of Prosopis trees in dry lands of the Southeast of Spain will be tested with similar objectives.

CP: carob pods; MP: Mesquite pods

Fields of science

• agricultural sciences › agriculture, forestry, and fisheries › agriculture › horticulture › fruit growing

Programme(s)

• FP3-STD 3 - Specific research and technological development programme (EEC) in the field of the life sciences and technologies for developing countries, 1990-1994

Topic(s)

Data not available

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS

Address

S/n,ciudad Universitaria S/n
28040 Madrid
Spain

Participants (4)

Centro de Investigaciones y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN

Mexico

Address

2508,avenida Ipn
07360 México

Cia Gral Del Algarrobo de Espana SA

Spain

Address

S/n,vereda Real
46184 San Antonio De Benageber

UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

United Kingdom

Address

Teviet Place - Medical School
EH3 9YW Edinburgh

Universidad de Piura

Peru

Address

S/n,av. Ramon Mugica
Piura