Proximate analyses and mineral compositions of the pulp and seeds of Adansonia digitata (Baobab fruit)

Abstract

The proximate and mineral compositions of the pulp and seeds of Adansonia digitata (baobab fruit) were evaluated. The pulp contained 27.60±0.36% moisture, 1.53±0.04% crude protein, 1.45±0.05% ether extract, 5.73±0.25% ash, 91.25±0.29% carbohydrate, 341.63±10.13 kj/100g calorific value and 1.94±0.03 mg/100ml vitamin C. The seed contained 15.07±0.51% moisture, 10.01±0.45% crude protein, 17.83±2.89% ether extract, 2.67±2.89% crude fiber, 6.33±0.15% ash, 53.16±0.58% carbohydrate, 618.61±3.20 kj/100g calorific value. The pulp and seed of were rich in Na, K, Ca, Mg which were significantly different (p< 0.05) except that of phosphorus that was insignificant. Na content ranged from 78,500± 1.00 to 89,000±1.32; K (14,500±0.500 to 10,533± 503); Ca (35.2±0.82 mg/l) and magnesium (16.17±0.76 to 22.60 ±0.36 mg/l). It was concluded that the pulp of Adansonia digitata is an important source of vitamin C, while the seed is a potential source of edible oil, potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium.

Keywords: Baobab, Adansonia digitata, seed, proximate composition, minerals