EVALUATION OF NUTRIENT COMPOSITION, PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND ANTI-OXIDANT PROPERTIES OF SKIN, PULP AND SEED OF AFRICAN STAR APPLE (Chrysophyllum albidum

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating the nutrient composition, physico-chemical and anti-oxidative properties of skin, pulp and seed of African star apple. Ripe fresh African star apple fruits were washed and the pulp removed manually and mashed. The seeds were cracked manually and the skins were shredded from the whole fruit. The samples were evaluated vis-à-vis, the proximate composition, mineral element concentration, etc. There were significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in all of the chemical composition of the African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) skin, pulp and seed. Moisture content of the seed, skin and pulp ranged from 8.92 ± 0.90% - 13.76 ± 0.01% which is on a high side. The ash content was 2.40 ± 0.03% – 3.96 ± 0.01% which is lower. The high total carbohydrate value of 66.95 ± 0.01% – 70.69 ± 0.01% suggests Chrysophyllum albidum seed flour as useful supplement in compounding animal feed. The protein content 7.79 ± 0.17% - 13.22 ± 0.04%. The pH values of the seed, skin and pulp 4.10 ± 0.06 – 6.90 ± 0.06 were within the acidic food range respectively. The flesh had the highest vitamin C value 78.50 ± 0.03mg/100g, followed by the skin 61.10 ± 0.01mg/100g, then the seed 54.40 ± 0.16mg/100g. The anti-oxidant analysis of the skin, seed and pulp of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit revealed the presence of free radical scavenging ability, total phenolic. The free radical scavenging activity of the flesh 86.34% was found to be the highest. The tannin value in the skin, seed and pulp 0.06mg/100g – 1.15mg/100g. The value was also lower than the lethal dose level of 30mg/kg (3mg/100g). The seed 75.97 has the highest L* value (whiteness/brightness), because it was more whitish compared to the skin 43.95 and flesh 42.60 which have little significance to each other. The skin (9.37) has the highest a* value (reddishness/greenishness), because it’s reddishness is more pronounced compared to seed (8.89) and pulp (6.35) while the seed (21.27) has the highest b* value (yellowishness/bluishness) compared to skin and pulp. African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) fruit has a great potential in improving human health and as supplement in food formulation.