Ethnobotanical knowledge and consumption of non-conventional edible plants (in Portuguese, PANC) at family farming markets in southern Brazil

Abstract

Background: Non-conventional Edible Plants (in Portuguese, PANC) are part of regional food biodiversity; however, their presence in family farming markets remains limited. This study analyzed knowledge, consumption, and uses of these plants among family farmers selling at open-air markets in western Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, identifying cultural and structural factors influencing their persistence.

Methods: A mixed-method ethnobotanical approach was applied, including semi-structured interviews with 20 vendors across five markets. A set of 13 species was presented to assess recognition, consumption, and forms of use among participants.

Results: Results showed a predominance of women and a strong association between culinary practices and continued consumption of PANCs. Although the term UFP (Unconventional Food Plants) is largely unfamiliar, individual species are commonly recognized, indicating a gap between scientific terminology and traditional food knowledge. Knowledge was homogeneous among ethnic groups, with the exception of crem (Tropaeolum pentaphyllum). Some well-known species are rarely consumed or are used for other purposes.

Conclusions: The persistence of PANCs in local markets depends not only on knowledge but also on structural factors such as productive transformations, dietary shifts, and time- and labor-related constraints, which contribute to the reduction of active food repertoires.

Keywords: PANCs; farmers’ markets; ethnobotany; environmental history; food systems.