Resumen

LOPEZ-MATA, Lauro. PROTEINS, AMINO ACIDS AND FATTY ACIDS COMPOSITION OF NUTS FROM THE MEXICAN ENDEMIC RARITY, Pinus maximartinezii, AND ITS CONSERVATION IMPLICATIONS. INCI [online]. 2001, vol.26, n.12, pp.606-610. ISSN 0378-1844.

Seeds of blue pine, Pinus maximartinezii, have long been used for human consumption. However, no chemical analysis of its nutrient components has been carried out. In this paper, the content of kernel proteins, amino acids and fatty acids is reported and compared with some pinyon pines and other nut species. Proximate analysis showed that blue pine contains about 31% crude protein, 66% defatted protein, 42% crude fat, 2% carbohydrates, 9% crude fibre, 4% ash, and 4% moisture. It contains 18 different amino acids, including all the essential ones, and six different fatty acids; of these about 84% are unsaturated. Nuts of blue pine are of outstanding dietary value and appear to be a promising resource, but the impact of seed harvesting size on the population stability needs to be thoroughly evaluated in order to insure its sustainable use. A conservation strategy for P. maximartinezii, should urgently focus on protecting the specific habitat where this endemic rarity occurs.

Palabras clave : Pinus maximartinezii; Rare and Endemic Pine; Conservation; Dietary Value; Chemical Composition.