Mineral content of gurumelo (Amanita ponderosa)

Abstract A total of 116 gurumelo mushroom samples ( Amanita ponderosa ) from diverse areas in six towns in the provinces of Huelva, Jaen and Seville (Spain) were analysed. Each sample obtained was accompanied by extensive information on its localization (town, land type, incidence of the sun, predominant vegetation in the area, neighbouring vegetation, proximity of highways, urban nuclei or mines), besides a detailed classification of its morphology and of its development. The determinations of copper, iron, zinc, manganese, calcium and magnesium, were carried out by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Sodium and potassium were done by flame atomic emission, and phosphorus by UV–V spectrophotometry. The mean values (±S.D.) obtained were, moisture: 88.8%±3.0%, Cu: 23.0±12.5 mg/kg, Fe: 88±86 mg/kg, Mn: 11.2±13.2 mg/kg, Zn 8.2±3.0 mg/kg, Ca: 85±38 mg/kg, Mg: 85±27 mg/kg, Na: 78±51 mg/kg, K: 3362±1412 mg/kg, P: 7.7±2.4 mg/kg. The subsequent statistical studies showed little relationship of the factors studied to the gurumelo's mineral contents.