Nutritive, Value of Selected Forest/woodland Edible Fruits, Seeds and Nuts in Tanzania

Abstract

A study was carried out to evaluate the nutritional value of 18 indigenous forest fruit species from different parts, of Tanzania., The edible fruit pulp, nuts and seeds were analysed for protein,fat, ash,fibre, total carbohydrates, minerals (Fe, Na, K, Ca, Mg and P), reducing sugars and vitamin C. Protein for fruit pulps ranged from 0.6% in Strychnos cocculoides to 13.3% in Sorindeia madagascarriensis and for nuts and seeds it ranged from 4.8.% Allanblackia stulhmanii to 40.5% in Tylosema fassoglensis, fat ranged from 0.3% in Tamarindus indica (sweet) to 7.5% in Pachystela msolofor fruit pulps and 29.1% in Tylosema/assoglensis to 68.2% in Allanblackia stulhmaniifor nuts and seeds. Ash ranged from 2.1% in Allanblackic stulhmanii to 9.8% in Grewia smills while fibre was lowest in the fruit pulp of Strychnos cocculoides, and highest in the pulp of Grewia smillis. Mean values of vitamin C in fruit pulps ranged from 5.5mg/1OO g in Tylosema fassoglensis to 964.4mg/1OO gin Hyphaena compressa, while in nuts and seeds it ranged from none to 5.8 mg/1OOg. Reducing sugars ranged from 14 mg/g in Tamarindus indica (sour) to 111 mg/g Parinari curatellifolia fruit pulp. Potassium was the most abundant mineral element. Seeds and nuts contained more fat, protein and minerals, while fruit pulps were rich in reducing sugars, carbohydrates and vitamin C. Among the 15 fruit pulps analysed, 95% contained higher vitamin C content than that of oranges, mangoes, lemons and passion fruits reported in literature. Nuts of Allanblackia stulhmanii were found to be rich in fat (68%). This study has shown that indigenous fruits can be used as the novel food for malnourished people arid therefore recommended for increased consumption in our diet.

Keywords: Indigenous fruits; nutrient composition

Tanzania J.Agric.Sc. (2006) Vol.7 No.1, 27-33