Características físicas e químicas dos principais cultivares de milho pipoca plantados no Brasil / Physical and chemical characteristics of the main popcorn cultivars grown in Brazil

ABSTRACT

Fifteen popcorn cultivars grown in Brazil were analysed for expansion power, percent composition, dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins and aminoacids. The mean Expansion Power was 23.1, low for the international standards. The second major component in popcorn is the dietary fiber, ranging from 21 to 29 per cent. Minerals and vitamins are presents in small amounts. Popcorn, like others cereals, is defficient in the limiting aminoacid lysine and triptophan. The popcorn consuption, without addition of other ingredients, can be used in sodium restricted diets, and is a good source for dietary fiber intake