Proximate composition and mineral profile of eight different unstudied date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) varieties from Pakistan

Abstract

With the aim of extending the knowledge on chemical composition of dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.), eight different sun dried date varieties; (1) Daki, (2) Aseel, (3) Coconut, (4) Khuzravi, (5) Halavi, (6) Zahidi, (7) Deglet Noor and (8) Barkavi were examined to determine their proximate composition and mineral profile. All the date varieties were found to be rich in proteins, fiber, carbohydrates and net gross energy (352.329 Kcal/100 g in Aseel to 425.147 Kcal/100 g in Khuzravi) having suitable levels of lipids and low values of ash, moisture and oxalates. Na, K and Li were found as macrominerals where
as Cr, Cu, Ca, Mg, Ni, Zn and Mn were found as microminerals. The results suggest that all the studied dates serve as good source of vital nutrients and can be considered as premium quality having significantly higher energy values than the earlier reported values for dates.