Abstract:
The main goal of this study was to determine and compare the nutritional value of ‘Barakawi’ – a dry date cultivar- and ‘Mishrig Wdkhateeb’, which is a semi-dry cultivar. The fruit chemical composition, minerals content and energy values of both cultivars were studied. The results obtained showed significant variations between fruits of the two cultivars. On basis of 100 g dry weight, ‘Barakawi’ fruits had higher concentrations of dry matter (94.80 %), total carbohydrates (94.37%), available carbohydrates (88.40 %), non-reducing sugars (44.51%) and energy value (380.22 k. cal.), whereas, ‘Mishrig Wdkhateeb’ had higher concentrations of protein (5.70%), fats (1.52%)), fibers (6.76%)), total sugars (86.27%) and reducing sugars (60.44%). Regarding minerals content, fruits of ‘Mishrig Wdkhateeb’ had higher concentrations of potassium (160.26 mg), sodium (17.01 mg), magnesium (06.09 mg), manganese (2.22 mg) and zinc (2.10 mg), while ‘Barakawi’ fruits had higher concentrations of calcium (129.75 mg) and iron (3.96 mg). The study confirmed the high nutritional value of both cultivars which justifies intensive processing research aiming towards manufacturing diverse food products based on date palm fruits.
