Physicochemical Characterization of Ziziphus Spnia-christi Fruit Pulp (Nabag)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to measure the nutritional value of Ziziphus spinachristi (L) (Nabag) fruits pulp as one of the forest foods that are frequently consumed by children and adults in Southern Darfur. The samples were collected from Nyala city market. AAS and ICP analysis were carried to measure the availability of some minerals as essential constituents of food. HPLC analysis was used to determine sugars and protein content. Total carbohydrates, ash, moisture, fibre, fats and protein were determined by other methods. The results showed minerals mean concentrations as Ca(57.22 mg/100g), Mg(72.11 mg/100g), Na(9.12 mg/100g), V(0.14 mg/100g), Fe(2.81 mg/100g), Cu(0.34 mg/100g), Ni(0.25 mg/100g), Al(3.42 mg/100g), As(0.37 mg/100g)and Pb(0.31 mg/100g). Sugars content were fructose (175.58 g/kg), glucose (158.34 g/kg) and sucrose (132.02g/kg). The results of manual methods showed ash content as (3.34 %), moisture (8.16 %), protein (5.38 %), fibre (4.77 %), fat (1.09 %), and total carbohydrates (77.26 %). The total results showed that Nabag fruits pulp was very rich with sugars and nutritionally essential minerals.