Chemical characterization and nutritional potential of the pulp, kernel and shell of the wild fruit of Dialium guineense from Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Dialium guineense is a tree whose fruits are widely consumed by the Ivorian population. However, contrary to the species of the countries of the sub-region, the fruits of D. guineense of Côte d’Ivoire remain little served in terms of scientific data. This work was devoted to the chemical, mineral nutritional and anti-nutritional analyses of the different parts of the fruit of D. guineense (shell, pulp and kernel) according to the procedures described in the collections of international standards (AOAC, AFNOR, etc.) and those resulting from the literature.

Nutritional parameters, such as fat, crude protein, moisture, total fiber, total carbohydrates, total sugars, reducing sugars, siliceous constituents and energy value of the pulp, core and hull, were measured. The acidic character of the fruit was demonstrated by determining the pH and acidity of the pulp, core and shell. The presence of macro and trace elements, such as calcium Ca, chlorine (Cl), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), aluminium (Al), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), silicon (Si) and zinc (Zn) were measured in different parts of the Dialium guineense fruit. In summary, Dialium guineense fruits can indeed be considered as a valuable source of nutrients for human and animal consumption.

Keywords: Dialium guineense; Nutritional parameters; Chemical properties; Mineral composition.