Characterization and Evaluation of the Chemical Properties of Three Common Varieties of Musk Melon Grown in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the nutrients, phytochemical and anti-nutritional composition of three muskmelon fruit varieties in Enugu State. The muskmelon varieties were identified, washed, peeled, sliced, and blended to obtain the pulp. The varieties and obtained data were analyzed chemically and statistically, respectively. The results showed 62.34-66.33% moisture, 0.20-0.40% fat, 2.33-2.75% ash, 0.63-1.11% fibre, 1.54-1.84% protein and 28.30-32.69% carbohydrate respectively. The result also showed 16.60-24.77mg calcium, 1.11-1.64mg iron, 11.23-13.21mg magnesium, 23.84-31.16mg potassium, 1.26-1.58mg zinc, 9.28-14.81mg sodium and 12.80-18.20mg phosphorus. The vitamin composition were 426-516RE beta carotene, 45.30-64.10mg vitamin C, 1.23-2.64mg vitamin E, 0.24-1.00mg riboflavin and 2.20-3.05mg thiamine respectively. The result of the phytochemicals were 1.86-4.11mg total phenol, 5.96-9.13% alkaloid, 0.04-3.20mg saponin and 2.92-4.01mg flavone respectively. The anti-nutrient composition showed 2.05-2.19mg phytate, 0.86-1.25mg tannin and 0.23-0.71mg oxalate respectively. The results showed that these three muskmelon varieties contain good nutrients and bioactive compounds. These three muskmelon varieties are underutilized and should be popularized so that people should be aware of them because they could help in the reduction of malnutrition in Nigeria.