Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the biochemical characteristics of the fresh pulp and the dried hulls of Saba senegalensis fruits collected in seven localities of Burkina Faso. The biochemical composition of the samples was determined using standards methods. Results showed that the pulp presented mean values of 83.23%, 18.74%, 2.83 and 4.48 for moisture, Brix, pH and titratable acidity, respectively. Based on dry mater (DM), the pulp contained 5.9 g/kg of ashes, 144.2 g/kg of total carbohydrates, 11.5 g/kg of fat and 5.9 g/kg of proteins. The pulp contents (mg/kg) in minerals such as Fe, Zn, Mg, Ca and K were 25.4, 2.2, 1070.1, 1302.2 and 2535.7, respectively. The pulp has a potential energetic value of 704.2 kcal/kg for human consumption. S. senegalensis hulls presented higher mean values of proteins (30.8 g/kg), fat (150.6 g/kg), ashes (54.6 g/kg) and carbohydrates (637.8 g/kg). Hulls also displayed high contents in mineral elements such as Mg, K, Fe and Zn. This study demonstrated that pulps as well as hulls of S. senegalensis fruits from Burkina Faso have interesting nutritional potential which could be used to improve the diet of population.

Key words: Saba senegalensis, characterization, pulp, hull, nutrients, Burkina Faso.