Nutritional composition and chromatic parameters of Bolita breed pigmented corn from Oaxaca, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: To determine the nutritional composition and chromatic parameters of two varieties of pigmented maize (blue and red) Bolita breed belonging to communities in the Valles Centrales region, Oaxaca, Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach: Corn grain of the two varieties was evaluated for moisture, ash, crude fiber, ethereal extract, protein, carbohydrates, chromatic parameters, as well as micro and macroelements. Data were analyzed by Student's t-test for independent samples with a confidence level of 95% (p≤0.05).

Results: The results of nutritional composition showed significant difference (p≤0.05) in the content of each of the parameters analyzed: moisture (7.46-9.70 %), ash (1.33-1.61%), fat (5.43-6.6%), protein (8.32-9.3%), fiber (3.25-4.38%) and carbohydrates (70.83-71.78%).  The presence of the macroelements was identified: Mg, Ca, K, Na, P and the microelements: Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn, and the chromatic parameters L*, a*, b*, C* and h were determined.

Limitations on study/implications: There were no limitations in this study

Findings/conclusions: The Bolita azul and Bolita rojo maize varieties presented a nutritional composition that agrees with that reported by other authors, with differences that may be due mainly to genetic factors and plant development conditions. 

Keywords: Zea mays L., nutritional composition, color.