Mineral composition of Tamarindus indica LINN (tamarind) pulp and seeds from different agro‐ecological zones of Uganda

Abstract

Mineral composition of dry Tamarindus indica LINN pulp and seeds was evaluated on samples collected from three different agro‐ecological zones of Uganda (Lake Victoria Crescent, and Eastern and West Nile). The objective of the study was to evaluate the mineral composition of T. indica pulp and seed samples from across Uganda's different agro‐ecological zones and land use types. Separately grounded samples of T. indica pulp and seeds were analyzed for Zn, Fe, Mg, P, Na, K, and Ca. The univariate analysis of variance in the General Linear Model was used to compare differences in mineral composition. Treatment means were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) in Post Hoc Tests. The results showed that there were significant differences (p ≤ 0.005) in mineral composition levels of T. indica pulp and seed samples between the different agro‐ecological zones with the exception of P and Na (for pulp). The T. indica pulp and seeds samples from the Lake Victoria Crescent zone and wild land use type had generally higher mineral levels than T. indica samples from other agro‐ecological zones and different land use types. As mineral composition levels were generally higher in the seed than the pulp samples, consumption of T. indica seeds should be promoted. There is also need to conserve individual species both on‐farm and in the wild population, but T. indica mineral concentrations (both pulp and seeds) were higher in the samples from the wild population, making them good for human and animal diets.

Physicochemical composition of Tamarindus indica L. (Tamarind) in the agro‐ecological zones of Uganda

“…This agrees with Okello et al. () who documented different growing climatic and environmental factors, plant parts used, plant management conditions, and length of storage before analysis. Additionally, Rasanu, Magearu, Matei, and Soceanu () reported that the amount of vitamin C in fruit depends on the precise variety of the fruit, the soil and climate in which it grew, and the length of time since it was picked.…”

“…And rancidity can be accelerated by moisture, air, and presence of some metals, which agrees with a report by Okello et al. (; ) who documented high levels of moisture content and mineral composition in the Lake Victoria Crescent agro‐ecological zone, which recorded high acid value.…”

“…It is valued mainly for the pods that are eaten fresh or processed for various uses. Other parts of the fruit are used, because they contain minerals and nutrients (Okello, Okullo, Eilu, Nyeko, & Obua, ). The fruits contain about 30% pulp, 40% seeds, and 30% hull (Singh, Wangchu, & Moond, ).…”

“…It is used to treat meningitis and other ailments in the West Nile and other parts of Uganda. The tree species is also considered a perfect agroforestry tree due to its deliberate retention and presence on‐farm, association with both annual and perennial crops and also grows wild across all the agro‐ecological zones of Uganda (Okello et al., ) as well as high‐altitude areas above 2,000 masl such as mountain ranges.…”

“…Okello et al. () reported that the T. indica fruits provide two important products—pulp, mostly eaten directly or used for making local food, drinks, and sold for domestic incomes, whereas the seeds, obtained after depulping the pod, are usually thrown away due to total lack of knowledge on its properties and uses.…”