Comparative Nutritional Analysis of Phoenix dactylifera and Phoenix reclinata Seeds

Abstract

This study examined the nutritional content of seeds of two date palm species?Phoenix dactylifera and Phoenix reclinata, using standard analytical procedures. Results obtained from proximate method shows a significant increase (P<0.05) in crude protein, carbohydrate and ash content of P. dactylifera seeds compared to that of P. reclinata. However, moisture content, crude fat and fibre was significantly higher (P<0.05) in seeds of P. reclinata than P. dactylifera. The mineral element analysis revealed a significant increase (P<0.05) in Na, K, Fe and Zn content in seeds of P. reclinata compared to P. dactylifera. However, a significant increase in Ca, Mg was observed in P. dactylifera as compared to P. reclinata. Hence, the study observed differences in the nutritional content of the seeds of the two date palm species but concludes that both seeds demonstrates great nutritional potential for humankind. Thus, it recommends that further research should focus on seeds and other under-utilized portions of a large group of fruits for industrial exploitation.