Proximate and Mineral Composition of Some Nigerian Fruits

Abstract

Aims: To determine the proximate and mineral composition of juices of some Nigerian fruits. Study Design: Completely randomized design (CRD) was used in the experiment. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine if significant differences existed between the means of the different fruits. Where differences existed, Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was used to compare the difference between the means. The experiment was conducted at the Department of Chemistry, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Port Harcourt between January to March 2012. Methodology: Psidium guajava, Musa paradisiaca, Carica papaya L., Citrus sinensis, Malus domestica, Citrus lanatus, Annona muricata, Irvingia gabonensis, and Ananus comosus were purchased in Rumuolumeni market, Port Harcourt in Rivers State of Nigeria and were analysed. The determinations of the proximate and mineral composition of the juice samples of the fruits were determined with the use of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) (Perkin-Elmer Model 372) instrument according to Association of Analytical Chemist (AOAC), (1990) procedures. Results: The least crude fibre was found in Malus domestica (0.00%) and the highest in Citrus sinensis 3.55 ± 0.02%); protein values, of 1.28 ± 0.10%, 1.25 ± 0.21%, 1.05 ± 0.01% were obtained for Psidium guajava, Musa paradisiaca and Citrus lanatus respectively. Low lipid contents were obtained from analysed samples. High carbohydrate values of 18.46 ± 2.80%, 18.26 ± 2.51% and 16.05 ± 1.32% were obtained for Citrus sinensis, Carica papaya L. and Annona muricata respectively. The value of dry matter was highest in Citrus sinensis (25.00 ± 3.13%) and least in Citrus lanatus (10.40 ± 0.63%). High moisture values of 89.60 ± 3.52%, 87.30 ± 4.32% and 85.07 ± 2.50% were obtained in Citrus lanatus, Carica papaya L. and Ananus comosusrespectively. Generally the ash content of the fruits was found to be low. The mineral analyses showed that the potassium content of these samples were relatively high with Musa paradisiaca having the highest value of 380.05±6.85 mg/g compared with Annona muricata 26.15 ± 4.21 mg/g with the least value. Concentrations of iron, magnesium, zinc, and calcium were highest in Ananus comosus (3.28 ± 0.20 mg/g), Musa paradisiaca (45.71 ± 4.55 mg/g), Irvingia gabonensis (1.26±0.30 mg/g) and Carica papaya L. (84.90 ± 3.57 mg/g) respectively Conclusion: The results showed that these fruits have safe and adequate dietary nutrients if consumed in the right proportion.