Biochemical Charateristic, Amino and Fatty Acids Contents of Pistachio <i>Citrullus mucosopermus</i> Fursa Seeds from Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

The seeds of pistachio Citrullus mucosopermus Fursa much used in the diet in Côte d’Ivoire, were studied to determine their chemical composition and their nutritional potential. The biochemical parameters of the seeds of Citrullus mucosopermus Fursa characterized are dry matter, ash content, moisture content, carbohydrates, fiber, protein, amino and fatty acids. The proximate analysis of the seeds showed dry matter contents 93.6 ± 2.82 %, moisture 6.40 ± 0.14 %, ash 5.18 ± 0.06 %, carbohydrates 24.94 ± 0.18 % , fibre 9.93 ± % and crude protein 28.46 ± 0.04 %. These proteins have two of the essential amino acids with a high level of lysine whereas serine was the limiting essential amino acid. The extraction yield of the lipids (crude fat) of the seeds was 31.49 ± 0.62 %. Unsaturated fatty acids: oleic acid (1.041 ± 0.002 %), linoleic acid (0.998 ± 0.001 %) and arachidonic acid (0.881 ± 0.001) were measured. Results revealed the seeds of pistachio Citrullus mucosopermus to have great nutritional potentials with regard to their chemical composition therefore, their consumption could contribute to fulfill some food deficiencies in Côte d’Ivoire.