1Department of Biological Sciences, P.O 166 Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
2Department of Biological Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences, College of Natural Resources, Makerere University, P.O BOX 7062
American Journal of Food and Nutrition.
2016,
Vol. 4 No. 6, 177-181
DOI: 10.12691/ajfn-4-6-6
Copyright © 2016 Science and Education PublishingCite this paper: Christine Oryema, Hannington Oryem-Origa. Analysis of the Fresh Pulps of
Borassus aethiopum Fruits
of
Gulu District, Uganda.
American Journal of Food and Nutrition. 2016; 4(6):177-181. doi: 10.12691/ajfn-4-6-6.
Correspondence to: Christine Oryema, Department of Biological Sciences, P.O 166 Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda. Email:
chroryonen@gmail.comAbstract
Borassus aethiopum Mart-locally known as Tugu by a tribe called Acholi in Uganda is an edible wild fruit tree species greatly valued for its multipurpose uses, fruits inclusive. This tree species is being wantonly destroyed, yet there is no adequate documentation on them. This study determined the nutrient contents in the pulps of its fresh fruits both on fresh matter (FM) and dry matter (FM) basis. The contents were determined using standard procedures prescribed for each nutrient. The potassium, sodium, and calcium contents on FM basis were respectively 42.6mg/100g, 12mg/100g) and 33.6mg/100g. The contents of zinc, iron and magnesium on FM basis were low with all values below 1.00mg/100g. No phytates were detected in these pulps on both FM and DM basis. The study revealed appreciable contents of nutrients in the fresh pulps, making it useful source for supplementing nutrient deficiencies within the community. Further studies are thus recommended to determine the availability of these nutrients in the body when consumed.
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