Proximate composition and minerals profile of fruit and flower of Karir (Capparis decidua) from different regions of Punjab (Pakistan)

Abstract

The present work appraises the proximate composition and minerals profile of flower and fruit of Capparis decidua from three different regions of Punjab, Pakistan. The percentage of moisture, ash, fibre and protein in flower and fruit of C. decidua from Jhang, Layyah and Sarghodha of Punjab was found to be 58.3-73.11, 55.4-70.31, 4.9-7.8, 3.9-5.4, 15.03-16.64, 16.27-19.41, 21.88-23.75 and 24.06-33.90 %, respectively. Overall, the contents of protein, fibre and ash were found to be higher in the samples of flower and fruit of Layyah while lowest in Sargodha region. On the other hand, the concentration of P, Mn and Fe were higher in the samples of fruit and flower from Jhang region whereas Na, Ca, Cu and K were higher in Layyah region while the samples from Sargodha exhibited lowest amount of minerals. These present results indicated that the flower and fruit of C. decidua analyzed from different regions, although having considerably different contribution of proximate parameters and minerals, can be explored as a potential source of valuable nutrients.