PJB-2018-35
MICRONUTRIENT CONTENTS OF SOME PROMINENT DATE PALM (PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA) VARIETIES OF PAKISTAN
MUHAMMAD NADEEM
Abstract
In this study, date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) varieties were analyzed to assess their nutritional characteristics. Mineral profile analysis of twenty-one date varieties grown in Pakistan was performed. The results of mineral profile analysis proved that dates are good source of minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron but are deficient in sodium content and hence are very suitable fruit for hypertensive people. Sugar profile analysis indicated that the maximum glucose content was recorded in Zaidy (44.44%) and fructose content in Karblain (33.21%) and maximum sucrose percentage was found in Hillavi (6.99%). Vitamin (B1, B2, and B3) analyses revealed that vitamin B1 is not present in detectable amount in date varieties. The highest concentration of vitamin B2 was detected in Khopra (0.031 mg per 100g) variety while the highest concentration of vitamin B3 was verified in Zaidy (2.73 mg per 100g). The range of the total phenolic contents remained from 142.52±0.64 to 298.02±0.95 mg gallic acid equivalent per 100 g on fresh fruit weight basis. All date varieties prove good source of phenolic compounds, therefore, possess high antioxidant capacity. It was concluded that Dhakki, Hillavi and Aseel Sindh varieties would be suited for diet because of their good nutritional properties.
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