The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) held the 1st Symposium on the Licuri Production Chain to bring together companies, universities and local communities in the Caatinga biome and to present participants with new bioactive molecules with economic potential for the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. In addition, the panels and discussions showed the scientific advances behind these discoveries and also the business opportunities generated from the new uses of licuri.
The event was made possible in partnership with the Caatinga Bioprospection Center and the Production Cooperative of the Piemonte da Diamantina Region (COOPES) and took place in Capim Grosso, a city in the interior of Bahia where a Coopes processing plant will be installed with the support of the Licuri Production Chain project.
Licuri and its uses
Licuri is the fruit of a palm tree native to the Caatinga, the Syagrus coronata, which has long been a part of the economy and survival of families in the backlands of Bahia. Women are usually the ones who collect the coconuts to be sold at fairs or consumed in various ways. The almonds are used to make milk, coconut candy, farofa, liqueur and can also be consumed raw. Studies have shown that the oil from its almonds has antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory properties, and is used by local communities as a healing agent, to control high blood pressure and diabetes.
The goal now is to continue researching the nutritional potential of the residue from its processing, which can be used to produce flours and protein concentrates. “We are studying the potential of licuri to generate flours and ingredients for the production of alternative proteins,” explained Bruno Nunes, General Coordinator of Science for Bioeconomy at MCTI, who also heads the MCTI Bioeconomy Production Chains Program.
Potential for the alternative protein sector
GFI Brazil was also present and contributed to the “Business Experiences” panel. Gus Guadagnini, executive director of GFI Brazil, spoke about the potential of Brazilian biomes within the alternative protein sector, as an important part of creating the food production chain of the future. In this context, licuri can be very relevant. “The defatted cake that forms after extracting the licuri oil has an interesting content of high-quality proteins that can be transformed into important ingredients for the alternative protein market,” explains Luciana Fontinelle, science and technology specialist at GFI Brazil.
Initiatives that support the sustainable exploitation of Brazilian biodiversity are extremely important in many ways, since they contribute to environmental preservation, generate sources of income for local communities, strengthen the national economy and also promote scientific advancement. “We at GFI believe that Brazilian biodiversity can offer several ingredients for the national and international alternative protein market. The Caatinga biome is certainly an important part of this construction, contributing with the wealth of its native species, especially the Licuri, the gold of the backlands”, concludes Luciana.
The Symposium is available in full online and you can watch it by clicking here.
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