O saber sobre as Plantas Alimentícias Não Convencionais (PANC) na Agricultura Familiar vinculada à Escola Família Agrícola da Região Sul (EFASUL), Canguçu, RS

Abstract

Food availability on the planet is restricted to few plant species. It is estimated that 30 thousand plant can be used as source of food. However, this knowledge is being lost as traditional communities vanish. This work aimed to know and register non-conventional food plants recognized or used by family farmers linked to EFASUL, a South Brazilian school focused in teaching farmers’ sons. Interviews were conducted to list species and ways of use, botanical collections were made to allow identification. We recorded 55 plant families and 129 species. Most cited were Ananas bracteatus, Butia odorata, Eugenia uniflora, Psidium cattleianum and Syagrus romanzoffiana. The most common way of consumption is fresh, followed by salads and juices. Fruits are the most commonly used part, followed by leaves and flowers. The records of this knowledge pave the way to new research on the traditional use of local biodiversity and the evaluation of bioactive compounds. The search to safeguard and disseminate information promotes and values ​​local culture and biodiversity, contributes to the sovereignty and food security of traditional peoples and future generations.