Fatty acids composition, chemical centesimal composition and caloric value in raw and boiled mollusks with milk coconut in the city of Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the profile of fatty acids, the chemical centesimal composition and caloric value of raw and boiled mollusks in the city of Maceió. Three species were analyzed: Mytella falcata, Anomalocardia brasiliana and Tagelus plebeus, known locally as sururu, maçunim and unha de velho, respectively. Raw and boiled (with coconut milk) specimens were evaluated. Uncooked mollusks were moist and rich in proteins. The greatest concentration of lipids and ashes was found in sururu and maçunim, respectively. Sururu had the highest caloric value. Dry coction resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of protein and in a marked increase in the levels of lipids and ashes in mollusks. The highest caloric value was seen in boiled Tagelus plebeus. The predominant polyunsaturated fatty acids in all the raw samples were docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic. Linoleic, linolenic, and aArachidonic acids were also detected. After boiling, the levels of the saturated lauric and miristic acids rose significantly, whereas those of stearic acid decreased considerably in all the raw samples. Linoleic acid was notably reduced in unha de velho and maçunim. The polyunsaturated linolenic, arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids were markedly reduced in all mollusks.