Abstract

MATILDE SUAREZ, María; BOSCH, Virgilio; ALIAGA, Carla  and  GARCIA, Ninoska. The empanada in Venezuela: Social and nutritional importance. An Venez Nutr [online]. 2010, vol.23, n.2, pp.88-99. ISSN 0798-0752.

A brief history of the empanada and its importance as a cultural heritage of Venezuela. It emphasizes its importance as a financial support of many families from the east of the country. It describes the stories of three cases, in Cumana, La Asuncion and Pampatar, which provide details of the stuffing, preparation of the dough and fillings traditionally used. Energy and nutrients were calculated and the types of fats and fatty acids were analyzed in the Lipidology Section of the Institute of Experimental Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, by the extraction of total fat by the method of Folch. The average weight was 120g/empanada, corresponding to 322cal, 10g protein, 16g fat and 36g of carbohydrates. Cheese and meat corresponded to 362cal 285cal shredded. Fat per unit was as follows: 20.6 g cheese, 18g and fat 17g. Their fat intake was modest and compositions were predominant polyunsaturated fatty acids. Cheese only had a significant content of saturated fatty acids. The preparation and trade of native empanadas is a resource that women have to raise children, build houses and meet diverse needs. It is an absolutely feminine work gives women the ability to keep time and manage the household with the preparation of a dish that is traditional, popular and representative of the regionalcuisine.

Keywords : The empanada; cultural heritage; nutrients; fatty acids; Venezuela.