Cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum): A Multifunctional Amazonian Fruit with Extensive Benefits

Abstract

The Amazon region is known for its continental dimension, water abundance, and especially for the rich biodiversity that this biome hosts. Among the thousands of plant species in the Amazon, many represent food sources. Among these, cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum (Willd. ex Spreng.) K.Schum.) stands out as an iconic fruit with an exotic flavor, appreciated for its remarkable organoleptic properties. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive description of its biology, agronomical uses, nutritional values, chemical compositions, medicinal properties, and industrial applications. The search based on scientific articles demonstrates T. grandiflorum as a valuable ingredient for the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors. Data analysis demonstrates that cupuaçu cultivation and processing contribute to the strengthening of local production chains and promotes the development of small communities, and thus the bioeconomy in the Amazon region. In this sense, since the last decade, cultivar improvement has required multidisciplinary efforts, resulting in disease-resistant plants with better productivity. Regarding its chemical composition, T. grandiflorum is a notable source of methylxanthine alkaloids, polyphenols, aroma compounds, and lipids. The presence of these compounds supports the use of cupuaçu in various products and help us to understand the potential health benefits of its consumption. Through the integration of all collected information, key gaps in basic and applied sciences were observed, highlighting the need for more research to uncover novel applications and products of T. grandiflorum. The development of new products based on biodiversity is fundamental to promoting environmental and economic sustainability, which are key steps to the survival of the Amazon rainforest. Therefore, this work summarizes the knowledge on this source and sheds light on a food source that is little known outside of the Amazon borders.

Keywords: Amazon; Bioactive compounds; Functional foods; Secondary metabolites; Theobroma.