Monosaccharide and Alditol Contents of Huitlacoche (Ustilago maydis)

The monosaccharides and alditols of huitlacoche (Ustilago maydis), an edible mushroom, have been studied. After sample extractions of frozen and lyophilized huitlacoche with methanol:chloroform:water, the carbohydrates were converted to their aldonitrile peracetylated derivatives and the alditols to their acetylated form. Identification and characterization of monosaccharides and alditols were performed by comparison of retention times from gas chromatography and mass spectra with the authentic compounds. Twenty-seven carbohydrates were detected; however, only 16 were completely identified. Glucose (143.2 mg/g) and fructose (71.10 mg/g) were the most abundant monosaccharides, followed by glycerol (8.5 mg/g), sorbitol (4.45 mg/g), and mannitol (3.17 mg/g). There were no significant differences among frozen and lyophilized samples. The carbohydrate composition of huitlacoche was compared with that of other edible mushrooms, such asAgaricus bisporusandPleurotus ostreatus.Large qualitative and quantitative differences were observed among mushroom carbohydrates, mainly glucose, threalose, and mannitol.