Neotropical Foods: Nutritional and Functional Aspects

The Neotropics, a region renowned for its vast biodiversity, includes the Andes, Amazon, and a variety of valleys. This area has greatly enriched global nutrition by contributing several essential crops such as potatoes, maize, and recently, quinoa. Despite the rich genetic diversity of crops like the over 2,000 varieties of potatoes found in the Andes, only a few cultivars have been internationally adopted. Many underutilized crops in the Neotropics possess significant nutritional and functional potential, which could play a crucial role in enhancing food security, improving health, and promoting sustainability.This Research Topic aims to shed light on the myriad of food ingredients and underutilized foods originating from the Neotropical region, examining their nutritional and functional attributes. The diverse sources include plants, animals, and other unique origins, each offering distinct benefits. By exploring both ancient traditional food processing techniques and contemporary biotechnological applications, this research seeks to develop future-ready food products and ingredients that leverage the rich biodiversity of the Neotropics.To gather further insights in the diverse range of traditional and modern Neotropical food applications, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Ancient crops’ nutritional and sustainable value- Functional properties of Neotropical foods- Chemical composition analysis- Nutritional value assessments- Development of innovative foods and food ingredients- Discovery of new species and varieties- Exploration of animal-based food products- Plant-based food innovations- Alternative food sources beyond animals and plants- Food security and sustainability initiatives. Topic editors: J. Mauricio Peñarrieta, Javier A. Linares-Pastén Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/72961/neotropical-foods-nutritional-and-functional-aspects