Plantas alimenticias não convencionais (PANC)na comunidade rural Aparecida (Valença do Piauí) levantamento florístico e potencial de uso

Abstract

Brazil has a wide diversity of plants, including non-conventional food plants (PANCs), which have high nutritional and ecological value. These underexplored plants can diversify diets and strengthen food security. The relevance of this study lies in the lack of information on plant use in the Vale do Sambito region, with the Aparecida community serving as the starting point for PANC research in the area. This study aims to identify PANCs in the rural community of Aparecida (Valença do Piauí) through species collection and the application of questionnaires, promoting local knowledge and developing an accessible guide to encourage the safe and everyday use of these plants. The research adopted a qualitative approach supported by quantitative data, involving plant collection and community surveys. Visits conducted between January 2024 and April 2025 allowed the observation of seasonal use of PANCs. The study identified 20 non-conventional food plant species in the Aparecida community, distributed among 17 botanical families. The findings coincide with surveys conducted in other areas of the semi-arid region of Piauí and neighboring states, reinforcing the regional importance of these species. This research highlights traditional knowledge and the potential of PANCs to contribute to food security and income generation.