Evaluation of nutritional composition, physico-chemical and sensory properties of ‘Robo’ (a Nigerian traditional snack) produced from watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) seeds

Abstract

This study evaluated the nutritional composition, physico-chemical and sensory properties of ‘Robo’ (a Nigerian traditional snack) produced from watermelon seeds in order to improve the utilization of watermelon seeds in producing value-added products, acceptable to the consumers. Watermelon seeds were dehulled, dried and used to prepared ‘Robo’ in the laboratory and control samples were prepared from melon seeds. The proximate analysis, amino acid profile, vitamin, mineral and heavy metal profile and consumer acceptance of the ‘Robo’ samples were determined using standard methods. The results showed that there were no significant differences (p≥0.05) in the proximate composition of the ‘Robo’ samples from watermelon and melon seeds. There were significant differences (p≤0.05) in amino acid, vitamin and mineral profile of ‘Robo’ samples from watermelon and melon seeds. The amino acid concentration in g/100 g crude protein of ‘Robo’ for lysine, arginine and leucine were 4.58±0.01, 1.82±0.00 and 4.92±0.01 respectively for ‘Robo’ produced from watermelon seeds while 4.91±0.01, 2.01±0.00 and 5.16±0.01 respectively were recorded for ‘Robo’ produced from melon seeds. The study showed that the ‘Robo’ samples contained high amounts of vitamin Bcomplex and minerals and low amounts of heavy metals. In conclusion, the ‘Robo’ samples from watermelon seeds and control samples had high sensory scores and were well acceptable to the consumers. With these research findings, watermelon seeds could be used for the production of ‘Robo’ as a promising raw material. This will create readymade market for the underutilized watermelon seeds and as well as creating more income to watermelon farmers.

Comparative Chemical Evaluation of Three Species of Melon (Cucumis melo, Cucurbita moschata and Cucumeropsis mannii) Seeds

“…This value compares favourably with those of protein rich foods such as soybean, cowpeas, pigeon peas and pumpkin with protein contents ranging between 23.1 and 33.0% [18]. This protein value also is within the recommended daily allowance for children (23.0 -36.0 g) [2]. There is a significant difference (P<0.05) observed in the crude protein content of the three varieties of melon seeds used in this study with C. moschata and C. melo having the highest and the least crude protein content respectively.…”

“…It is rich in nutrients such as vitamin B complex, potassium, magnesium, and zinc, with health benefits" [1]. The products can also be eaten individually as a snack [2]. Compositional, nutritional, and functional properties are important factors in determining food quality and the nutritive importance of the melon seeds makes it vital for battling nutritional debilitations [3,4].…”

Robo from melon seeds and groundnut

“…Melon seed is called "Ogili" (Ibo), "Dende" (Fulani), "Egusi" (Yoruba), and "Iguana Agushi" (Hausa) (Ojieh et al, 2008). Melon seeds nutrients include about 53% oil, 28.4% protein (60% in defatted flour), 2.7% fiber, 3.6% ash and 8.2% carbohydrate (Adeyeye et al, 2020). Melon seeds can be used for culinary purposes; they have anti-inflammatory anti-diabetic properties due to Citrulluscolocynthis (Templeton et al, 2005).…”

“…Hence, this study aimed to develop and evaluate the quality of Robo produced from blends of melon and groundnut seeds. Generally, after the preparation of Robo, it is usually stored in polyethene films or airtight containers to maintain the quality and prevent rancidity (Adeyeye et al, 2020). Globally, snaking is a common practice among people.…”