High-resolution melting analysis for testing the authenticity of fresh and canned heart of palm, an economically important non-timber forest product from the Neotropics

Background: Wild Euterpe edulis has been a source of heart of palm for many decades. Today, this species is threatened with overexploitation and cultivated E. oleracea and Bactris gasipaes are replacing it as a source of the vegetable. However, morphological identification of both fresh and canned heart of palm is not simple, favouring adulteration and illegal trade. Aims: We developed and tested a rapid and efficient DNA-based approach for authenticating heart of palm from E. edulis, E. oleracea and B. gasipaes. Methods: Eight cpDNA loci were sequenced and screened for polymorphisms. The psbK-I locus contained SNPs that were used to authenticate fresh and canned heart of palm samples according to species type through High Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis. Results: All fresh and canned commercial samples were successfully amplified in HRM analysis and SNP profiles distinguished the putative species indicated by producers on package labels, demonstrating the robustness of the assay. Conclusions: The results demonstrated that HRM is a fast and reliable screening technique that can ensure food safety and contribute to the conservation of endangered palm species.