Physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of the fruit of Zizyphus sonorensis S. Wats (Rhamnaceae)

Abstract

The nanche de la costa (Zizyphus sonorensis) fruit was partially characterized by physicochemical and nutritional analyses. This fruit has a homogenous size and color and low moisture content (47 g/100 g). The content of tannins and nickel of the edible portion might limit its use. However, nanche de la costa has important characteristics and potential to be considered as a food or feed source. The remarkable characteristics of the edible portion are high content of total (35 g/100 g) and soluble (0.6 g/100 g) dietary fiber, high level of copper (0.53 mg/100 g), iron (10 mg/100 g) and zinc (4.2 mg/100 g). The seed was distinguished by its high content of total dietary fiber (82.1 g/100 g), calcium (540 mg/100 g), copper (0.54 mg/100 g), chromium (1.1 mg/100 g) and zinc (4.5 mg/100 g). The moisture value is given in fresh weight basis and all other values are in dry weight basis.