Chemical Profile of the Mesocarp of three Varieties of Terminalia catappa L (Almond Tree)

Abstract

Five mineral compn. (macro element) and proximate compn. of the mesocarp of the three common varieties of Terminalia catappa were investigated using std. anal. procedure with a view to evaluating their nutritional potential. The proximate compn. of the fruit samples revealed the moisture content 4.81 ± 0.01 to 7.48 ± 0.002, Crude protein; 5.21 ± 0.08 to 6.94 ± 0.08, Crude fiber; 17.27 ± 0.01 to 55.77 ± 0.004, Crude Fat; 3.66 ± 0.001 to 7.66 ± 0.002, ash; 2.05 ± 0.01 to 7.14 ± 0.01 and nitrogen free ext. 25.77 ± 0.04 to 54.79 ± 0.02. The mineral content of the three samples indicated that P, Na, Ca, Mg and K are the most abundant of the five minerals examd. The study revealed that both the chem. compn. and proximate compn. are comparable with other fruits. Also, the three varieties do not vary much from each other. The representative anti nutritional factors - tannis and phytate was reported present at concns. that may not pose health problems for human consumption. The study recommended that the three varieties are good for human consumption like other fruits. [on SciFinder(R)]