Effect of storage condition on the nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of kurkura (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) fruit from North-Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Ziziphus mauritiana is used as food and medicine. It is very nutritive and contains high amounts of calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. To choose an appropriate technique for fruit preservation, this study evaluated the effect of temperature and time on the nutritional and anti-nutritional qualities of Ziziphus mauritiana fruit harvested from Kobo Woreda in North-Eastern Ethiopia. This study assessed the impact of preservation parameters on the nutritional and anti-nutritional properties of Ziziphus mauritiana fruit, such as storage temperature and preservation day (time). Ziziphus mauritiana fruit was also analyzed to evaluate storage temperature and preservation day on its nutritional and antinutritional composition and found moisture content (5.25–10.99%), ash content (4.74–10.70%), crude fiber (3.81–17.88), fat (0.49–2.16), nitrogen content (1.01–1.8%), protein content (6.33–11.27), phytate content (67.27–659.33 mg/100 g m), and tannin content (3842.46–16577.80 mg/100 g m). The findings revealed that both individual and interaction effects were highly significant differences (p-value, 0.0001) in each nutritional and antinutritional content of the fruit. The results of this study showed that it was possible to store Ziziphus mauritiana fruit using plastic bags (High-Density Polyethylene Bags), and further deep-freezing the fruit had the best effect on preserving it in its fresh state (without damage) for up to 45 days.