A comparative study of physicochemical, proximate and minerals analysis of some underutilized wild edible seeds used as condiments in Nigerian traditional soups

Abstract

The present study focused on Physicochemical, proximate and mineral analysis of some underutilized wild edible seeds (Parkia biglobosa, Prosopis africanum and Acacia sieberiana) used as condiments in Nigerian traditional soup and consumed by different tribal communities across the country. The seed samples were all pulverized and their properties determined appropriately. The physicochemical properties of the three seed samples were comparable with each other and the values obtained were similar and fell within the range observed for similar seeds and powdered samples used as condiments or for industrial purposes. Swelling and solubility profiles of the seed samples were quite high and reflected the high water absorption capacity of the pulverized seeds. Proximate analysis of the seed samples revealed a high protein content especially for P. africanum and A. siberiana while P. biglobosa had a high fat and carbohydrate content. Elemental analysis of the pulverized seeds was also carried out to determine the mineral contents and it was observed that the concentration of the essential elements were within safety limits while the heavy metals were very low with lead and chromium absent in two of the samples which was an indication of little or no toxicity of the seeds. The results of the various analysis carried out on the seed samples p\shows that all the three (3) study seeds are safe for consumption. These lend credence to their use as condiments and indicates that they can be further explored for other uses in the food industry.