Proximate Analysis of Dragon Fruit (Hylecereus polyhizus)

Ahmad Ridhwan Bin Abdul Rahm,R. Vasudevan,Ruzainah Ali Jaafar,Nor Zaini Che Mahmod

doi:10.3844/ajassp.2009.1341.1346

Abstract

Problem statement: Dragon fruit (Hylecereus polyhizus ) is well known for the rich nutrient contents and it is commercially available worldwide for improving many health problems. Several studies show the proximity value of red pitaya frui ts but the nutrient composition of the stem has not been extensively studied. Approach: This study was carried out to measure the proximat e analysis of moisture content, water activity, ash, crude protei n, crude fat, crude fiber, glucose and ascorbic aci ds content in premature and mature of dragon fruit. Th e dried powder was produced from the stem of dragon fruit and the proximate analysis of dragon f ruit stem was compared between freeze drying process and drying oven process. Results: Results of this study showed that 96% moisture; 0. 270 g of protein; 0.552 g L -1 glucose and 132.95 mg L -1 ascorbic acid of dragon fruit stem found higher th an the fruit flesh of the dragon fruit. Conclusion: The premature stem had higher values than the mature stem of the dragon fruit which may helpful in preve nting the risk factors of certain diseases.

Highlights

Dragon fruit or red pitaya belongs to the Cactaceae family from the subfamily Cactoidea of the tribe Cactea[1]
It is rich in phytoalbumins which are highly valued for their antioxidant properties[4]
Hylocereus polyrhizus is rich in fibers, vitamin C, minerals and phytoalbumins which are highly valued for their antioxidant properties

Summary

Introduction

Dragon fruit or red pitaya belongs to the Cactaceae family from the subfamily Cactoidea of the tribe Cactea[1]. The red skin fruit weighed up to 1kg has translucent dark-red flesh considered as a rich source of nutrients and minerals such as vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3 and vitamin C, protein, fat, carbohydrate, crude fiber, flavonoid, thiamin, niacin, pyridoxine, kobalamin, glucose, phenolic, betacyanins, polyphenol, carotene, phosphorus, iron and phytoalbumin[3]. It is rich in phytoalbumins which are highly valued for their antioxidant properties[4].

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Results

Conclusion