Chemical and nutritional content of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.)

Sheila Mbiru — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 12:22:14 +0000

Description

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) fruit pulp was analyzed for its chemical and nutritional content and the results compared with those of the same species from other parts of the world. The analysis included those for: Moisture and ash contents, crude fibre, energy values, non-reducing sugars, crude protein and vitamin C. Total carbohydrates were obtained by calculation. Results show no major variation in moisture content, amount of ash except in the Kenyan sample (A), which had a high value of 4.03 ± 0.52)%. Vitamin C varied from the three reported sources whereas crude fat was the same in all except 0.40% in sample A. Crude fiber varied and calorific value only reported in A was 3.77 kcal/g. Carbohydrates
varied widely between 12 to 92%. All analyzed minerals varied, but Pb and Cd were absent. From this study, it is evident that the nutritional composition of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) varies in regards to age and season. However, irrespective of the origin or variety, these fruits are a good natural reservoir of energy whose nutritive components and antioxidants such as vitamin C, can be used as a food supplement.

Sheila Mbiru Thu, 07/11/2013 - 07:22

Responsible party

Kenya Forestry Research Institute

Funding bodies

USAID

Attachment	Size
Chemical and nutritional content of Opuntia ficus indica.pdf	223.24 KB

Forests and People / Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services and Biological Invasions Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) fruits. / Nutritional composition / kenya

NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT OF Sclerocarya birrea (Amarula) FRUIT FROM KENYA

Sheila Mbiru — Sat, 18 May 2013 18:53:17 +0000

NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT OF Sclerocarya birrea (Amarula) FRUIT FROM KENYA

Description

The aim of this study was to carry out nutrient content of Sclerocarya birrea (Amarula) fruits as one of the
Kenyan drylands indigenous fruits with a high potential. Mature fruit samples were collected from the field in
Mbeere in Eastern part of Kenya and then taken to the Forest Products laboratories for analysis. Edible portions
were analysed for the nutritional composition. The analysis carried out included energy, moisture, ascorbic acid,
proximate and minerals (i.e. Ca, Mg, K, Cu, P, Fe and Zn). Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS)
was used for elemental analysis, Ultra Violet-visible spectrophotometer (UV/VIS.) for phosphorous analysis,
Kjedahl method for crude protein, bomb calorimeter for internal energy and soxhlet method of analysis for crude
fat while various classical methods of analysis were employed for the other parameters. The results of analysis
indicated that the kernel was rich in fat (57.36 ± 0.95%), energy (30.36 ± 0.04kj/g), protein (30.34 ± 0.36%),
potassium (486.64 ± 2.6mg/100g), phosphorous (160.74 ± 2.6mg/100g) and calcium (449 ±18.59mg/100g) while
pulp had significantly high values of ascorbic acid (190 ± 0.81mg/100g), Potassium (K) (3220.3 6± 4.32mg/100g),
Phosphorous (P) 145.634 ± mg/100g), Calcium (Ca) (688.488 ± 20.74mg/100g). However iron (Fe) (2.792 ± 0.26
mg/100g), Magnesium (Mg) (155.82±1.044mg/100g), zinc (2.33 ± 0.03mg/100g) and copper (0.32 ±
0.075mg/100g) were present in low quantities.

Sheila Mbiru Sat, 05/18/2013 - 13:53

Responsible party

KEFRI

Attachment	Size
Nutritional assessment of Amarula from Kenya.pdf	130.58 KB

Forests and People Sclerocarya birrea / Nutritional composition