Abstract

The seeds of Annona diversifolia were analyzed to establish their chemical composition and nutritional properties in order to investigate the possibility of using them for human and/or animal consumption. The average composition of the kernel was determined to be: 15.40±0.17% of crude protein, 25.03±23% of carbohydrate, 27.43±0.18% of oil, 2.18±0.17% of ash and 62.58±0.25% of crude fiber. While the averages of the shell composition, were: 6.37±0.21% of carbohydrate, 0.86±0.14% of ash and 83.22±0.15% of crude fiber. The mineral content in mg/100 g of kernel: shell was found to be potassium (356.4:568.4), sodium (35.5:21.6); calcium (203.3:184.5); magnesium (4.5:2.0). Investigation of micronutrients in mg/100 g dry matter for kernel: shell gave for iron (21.4:62.5); zinc (21.2:57.1) and copper (24.1:9.8). The manganese determined in kernel was 19.2, and 3.77 for the shell. The oil content in the kernel had higher percentage of unsaturated fat acids (78.39%) than saturated ones (21.61%). The result of the proximate, mineral nutrient composition and fatty acid distribution of this seed and seed oil may offer a scientific basis for use of the seeds and oils in human diet.

Key words: Annona diversifolia, Ilama seeds, proximate, mineral composition and fatty acids content.