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

Abstract

Objective: To quantify anthocyanins in blue corn, blackberries, and raspberries grown in family farming systems in three locations in the Sierra Nevada de Puebla (San Mateo Ozolco, San Miguel Tianguizolco, and San Diego Buenavista); to understand local perceptions and assessments of these compounds; and to review scientific literature on their health effects to propose healthy eating strategies in rural and indigenous areas.

Design/Methodology/Approach: A mixed methodology was applied during 2024-2025. Anthocyanins were quantified in five samples per crop using UV-Visible spectrophotometry, analysis of variance, and Tukey (P≤0.05). Perception was analyzed through 45 surveys conducted at local agricultural fairs. In addition, literature on their benefits was reviewed to propose healthy eating strategies.

Results: High anthocyanin contents were recorded in blackberry (5733.6 mg/kg), raspberry (923.9 mg/kg), and blue corn (673.5–893.7 mg/kg), all above the recommended values ​​for nutraceutical purposes. A partially informed consumer was identified, with 76% willing to pay a premium for anthocyanin-rich agricultural foods. The literature supports their health value, which is useful for designing healthy eating strategies.

Limitations on study/implications: It is necessary to expand the analysis to more regions, consider agronomic variables, processing, and bioavailability, and promote socialization strategies that translate scientific evidence into socioeconomic and nutritional value, strengthening the rural economy and consumption.

Findings/Conclusions: Blue corn and berries grown in family systems have high nutraceutical and socioeconomic value that can be leveraged in rural development strategies to improve food security, community health, agrobiocultural heritage, and peasant economies through sustainable rural and indigenous production schemes.