Resgatando hábitos e saberes alimentares sobre plantas alimentícias não convencionais (PANC) de agricultores familiares em feiras livres no oeste catarinense

Abstract

Unconventional Food Plants (UFP) are capable of increasing food diversity based on traditional knowledge and their connection to local biodiversity. However, over the years, they have been neglected and forgotten, ceasing to be part of eating habits. Even though family farmers are familiar with some UFP species, they underutilize them in their diet and do not consider them as a priority source of income. However, encouraging the consumption and production of UFP is vital for making the most of their potential in family agricultural enterprises and at farmers' markets. Against this backdrop, this research aims to delve into both ancestral and contemporary knowledge about the utilization of UFP in food, considering their current limitations and potentials, especially at farmers' markets. For better understanding, a methodology combining case studies with oral history is employed, featuring semi-structured interviews and both convenience and snowball sampling - comprising 20 market vendors selling UFP at five farmers' markets in western Santa Catarina. This research is both qualitative and quantitative in nature, with a descriptive and explanatory approach. Data showed that participants were unfamiliar with the term UFP, but when exposed to specific species, it was found that many had already encountered them. The varieties caruru, begoninha, beldroega, hibiscus, nasturtium, and nettle were only known, while the varieties yellow plum, mulberry, dandelion, crem, pumpkin flower, ora-pro-nóbis, and peixinho-da-horta were both known and consumed. Consumption was limited to forms prepared in natura, in salads, and teas, predominantly using the leaves and fruits of the species. Additionally, when relating the known and consumed UFP to the ethnicities of the interviewees, it was found that Crem showed a significant difference in consumption proportions between Brazilians/mixed-race individuals and Europeans. In this regard, it was found that the species nasturtium, crem, dandelion, pumpkin flower, peixinho-da-horta, and nettle have been consumed for a longer time compared to the yellow plum, which has been consumed recently due to the difficulty in finding/obtaining it in nature and the loss of interest. When analyzing the commercialization of UFP, it was noted that only 38.2% of the consumed species were commercialized, and when commercialized, they were not frequently found at markets. This is because they are used as production surplus, sold upon order, depend on seasonality, and require time and labor from farmers. On the other hand, there is consumer demand for 19 other UFP species that are not commercialized. It is concluded that it is important to understand the knowledge about UFP from various ethnicities and, at the same time, formalize the recording of the knowledge they preserve. Additionally, it is essential to offer activities such as courses, lectures, and workshops to raise awareness and train participants to cultivate and commercialize UFP, as well as to promote and present UFP as an alternative source of income and food security. However, it is necessary to first address the issues that prevent small-scale farmers from being interested in training and commercializing this category of food plants.