Unconventional Food Plants in the Recôncavo of Bahia

biodiversity and residents’ perceptions

Abstract

Despite their megadiversity, most native Brazilian species are rarely consumed, to the detriment of the considerable homogenization of the diet. This study aims to assess the knowledge of residents of a community in the Recôncavo Baiano region about existing PANCs, as well as to observe their forms of use, analyze their culinary use and verify their use as an alternative for food security. Data collection was carried out through interviews with residents of the Gravatá Community, applying a semi-structured form composed of 10 objective and discursive questions. Some species of PANCs were presented, such as Chinese cucumber (Melothria pendula L), ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Mill), parts of the banana tree (Musa paradisiaca L), purslane (Portulaca oleracea) and Indian coriander (Melothria pendula L). Questions were raised about the parts of the PANCs used in food and their forms of preparation. It is possible to infer that only 15% of the interviewees are aware of PANCs and use them in cooking. However, 85% of the residents are not aware of the term PANCs, which highlights the lack of studies on these plants and the dissemination of information to families. It is observed that the lack of inclusion of PANCs in the diet makes it difficult to differentiate between native, exotic and inedible species, leading to the undervaluation of PANCs as "weeds". However, these plants play important roles in local biodiversity, culture and economy, in addition to their nutritional potential. Therefore, more approaches are needed for the conservation, use and sustainable management of PANCs to promote a solidarity economy and reduce food insecurity.