Anthocyanins in local, healthy and specialty agrifood from the Sierra Nevada of Puebla

Resumen

Objective: to quantify anthocyanins in blue maize, raspberry, and blackberry fruit, grown in family systems in three localities of the Sierra Nevada in Puebla, in order to know the local perception and valuation of those compounds.

Design/ Methodology/ Approach: during 2024–2025, a mixed methodology was applied in the selected localities (San Mateo Ozolco, San Miguel Tianguizolco and San Diego Buenavista, in the state of Puebla, Mexico). Anthocyanins were quantified in five samples per culture using Ultraviolet-Visible spectrophotometry, analysis of variance and Tukey (p ≤ 0.05). To evaluate perception, 45 surveys were applied following a non-probabilistic convenience sampling in local agrifood fairs.

Results: high anthocyanin contents were recorded; blackberry fruit (5733.6 mg kg^-1), raspberry (923.9 mg kg^-1), and blue maize (673.5–893.7 mg kg^-1); all above what is recommended for nutraceutical effects. A 76% of partially informed consumers was identified, with a willingness to pay a premium for agrifood, proven it is rich in anthocyanins.

Limitations/ Implications of the study: it is necessary to expand this analysis to more regions and to consider agronomic variables, processing and bioavailability; in addition to promoting socialization strategies that translate scientific evidence into socioeconomic and food value, strengthening the rural economy and consumption.

Findings/ Conclusions: blue maize and berries grown in family systems have high nutraceutical and socioeconomic value that can be used as an agri-bio-cultural heritage in rural farming economy, through sustainable rural and indigenous production schemes.