Biochemical properties of some important underutilized minor fruits

Abstract

Minor fruits are rich source of vitamins and minerals which are unexplored. This study was undertaken to evaluate biochemical and nutritional values of selected underutilized minor fruits in Bangladesh. The selected minor fruits were Monkey jack (Artocarpus lakoocha), Velvet apple (Diospyros discolor), River ebony (Diospyros peregrina), Cowa (Garcinia cowa), Governor’s plum (Flacourtia indica), Flacourtia (Flacourtia jangomas) and Red pear (Protium serratum). Ripe fruits were collected from coastal and hilly areas of Bangladesh and nutritional analysis was done following standard protocols during February to November 2018. Results showed that River ebony contained the maximum percent of total soluble solids (TSS) (26.0 %) which was similar with Governor’s plum (24.0 %) and Flacourtia (23.5%) while Cowa contained the minimum TSS (11.0%). On the other hand, Red pear and Monkey jack contained highest amount of ascorbic acid (21.74, 20.86 mg/100 g FW, respectively) and Velvet apple contained lowest (5.73 mg/100g FW). In terms of mineral contents, it was observed that Cowa contained the maximum amount of Na (29.41 mg/100g DW) and Fe (4.56 mg/100g DW) as compared to other minor fruits while River ebony contained highest K (258.35 mg/100g DW) and P (293.38 mg/100g DW). Among the minor fruits, Red pear contained the highest amount of Ca (112.12mg/100g DW), Mg (97.24mg/100g DW), Zn (2.08mg/100g DW) and Cu (1.4mg/100g DW) while Flacourtia contained maximum Mn (14.30mg/100g DW). From the results it can be concluded that selected minor fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals.