Estudio bromatológico de las flores de Oxalis lotoides (Kunth) y su aplicación en una infusión

Abstract

The use of flowers provides unique flavors and aromas in the preparation of infusions, especially from native species of Ecuador that have been used for medicinal purposes and have shown to contribute nutritional value to the body. Therefore, their use can help prevent the consequences of not having a nutritious and balanced diet. This research aims to evaluate the bromatological characteristics of Oxalis lotoides (Kunth) flowers and their application in an infusion. The flowers of Oxalis lotoides (Kunth) were collected in the Aláquez parish of Latacunga canton, Cotopaxi province. Their chemical and nutritional composition was evaluated, obtaining a pH of 3.109, 4.0 degrees Brix for soluble solids, 0.072 percent acidity expressed as citric acid, 91.694 percent moisture, 8.89 percent fat, 0.58 percent ashes, 15.4 percent protein, 51.5 percent total dietary fiber, 13.4 percent total sugars, and 147.8 mg of vitamin C per hundred grams. An infusion was prepared using dehydrated flowers, and a sensory evaluation was conducted, with the highest acceptability found in the attribute of color. Finally, a microbiological evaluation was performed to verify compliance with the minimum microorganism levels according to the NTE INEN 2392 standard. This research provided a contribution to the knowledge of the chemical composition of Oxalis lotoides flowers, which demonstrated to be a source of nutrients, making it a viable option for the development of new products with nutritional value.