Journal of Food Technology

Year: 2009
Volume: 7
Issue: 4
Page No. 106 - 110

Minerals and Anti-Nutrients in Two Varieties of African Pear (Dacryodes edulis)

Authors : Ibanga O. Isaac and Okon D. Ekpa

Abstract: The biochemical composition of two varieties of African Pear (Dacryodes edulis)-D. e. var. edulis and D. e. var. parvicarpa have been determined using standard methods. Proximate moisture content was higher in D.e. var. parvicarpa (61.40%) than in D. e. var. edulis (46.59%). This difference implies D. e. var. edulis with low moisture content is of quality and is more stable compared D. e. var. parvicarpa. The measured anti-nutrient concentrations in the two varieties of Dacryodes edulis were low and fall within the acceptable levels based on National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria and WHO. The concentrations of essential elements in both varieties were high such that phosphorus was 4446.04 mg kg-1 in D. e. var. edulis and 3674.07 mg kg-1 in D. e. var. parvicarpa. Cu concentration of 4.08 mg kg-1 in D. e. var. edulis and 3.66 mg kg-1 in D. e. var. parvicarpa was the lowest among the mineral elements determined. On the other hand, Cd and Pb were completely below detection level and hence were not detected. The variations in the mineral concentrations were attributed to the different rates at which these elements are taken up from the soil by the plants and subsequent incorporation into the oil. The percentage of oil content (68.29%) in D. e. var. edulis was higher than that of D. e. var. parvicarpa of 54.68%. This implies vegetable oils can be extracted in commercial quantity from D. e. var. edulis.

How to cite this article:

Ibanga O. Isaac and Okon D. Ekpa, 2009. Minerals and Anti-Nutrients in Two Varieties of African Pear (Dacryodes edulis). Journal of Food Technology, 7: 106-110.

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