Nutritional Quality and Functional Properties of Baobab (Adansonia digitata) Pulp from Tanzania

Abstract

Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is a majestic tree associated with human habitation in some of the semi-arid regions of Africa and establishes an enormous economic and nutritional importance to the rural residential districts. The fruit pulp is considered to be of high nutritional significance; particularly vitamin C and calcium, also possess antioxidant functions as well as high dietary fiber content. Although it is a potential fruit for improving local diets and livelihoods,this fruit is underutilized and its potential not yet fully acknowledged. This work was contracted with the aim of defining the nutritional quality and functional properties of baobab pulp harvested from some selected parts of Tanzania.Results indicated that the pulp from the three locations had moisture content which ranged between 9.16% to 10.30%, fat 0.46%-1.98%, ash 4.75%-5.21%, fiber 5.91%-9.65%, protein 3.23%-3.53%, carbohydrate 80.49%-85.19, vitamin C 169.74mg/100g-231.57mg/100g, beta-carotene 2.16 mg/100g-3.19mg/100g.Fructose 0.56±0.15-0.81±0.17g/100g, glucose 0.77±0.26-0.87±0.31g/100g and sucrose 0.75±0.25-0.84±0.29g/100g. The substantial differences (p≤ 0.05) between locations were observed in fat, crude fiber, carbohydrates, and fructose. Vitamin C, beta-carotene, protein, ash, moisture, sucrose and glucose showed no significance difference (p≤ 0.05) among locations. The functional properties included emulsification, foaming and gelling properties which ranged between 37.9-45.15%, 1.85-6.57% and 11-12% respectively and were significantly different (p≤ 0.05) among locations. The results show that baobab pulp has a good content of nutrients and functional properties which can be useful in food industries.

Gaps in food security, food consumption and malnutrition in households residing along the baobab belt in Kenya

“…During dry seasons availability and accessibility of good-quality fresh vegetables and fruits particularly compromised under subsistence conditions (Alipour et al , 2016). The untapped potential of drought resistant indigenous baobab fruit could serve as a good supply of fresh, cheap and nutritious fruits during such seasons (Aluko et al , 2016).…”

Pinpointing baobab (Adansonia digitata [Linn. 1759]) population hotspots in the semi‐arid areas of Tanzania

“…Most of the baobab populations concentrated in the central regions (Dodoma and Singida), which fall into unprotected areas running from the southern central parts (Iringa) to the northern central parts (Manyara and Kilimanjaro), which fall into protected areas. Dodoma and Singida areas had more baobab populations probably due to a combination of environmental factors that favour the growth of the baobab species and the protection due to economic and social importance of the baobab products to the local communities living in those areas (Aluko, Kinyuru, Chove, Kahenya, & Owino, ; Sidibe & Williams, ).…”

Assessment of the status of African Baobab populations and fatty acids composition of its crude oil in semi arid areas of Tanzania

“…Although it has attracted international interest, information on its status and distribution is not being widely collected and included in the national inventories and database despite of its important contribution towards national development (Lamien-Meda et al, 2008;Aluko et al, 2016). In Tanzania, information on the baobab such as its role in the conservation of biodiversity as well as its ethno-botanical importance is not clearly known and thus this calls for rigorous studies about the numerous issues associated with the status and the values of African baobab in the country.…”

“…Although it is a potential fruit for improving local diets and livelihoods, this fruit (of the African baobab) is underutilized and its potential not yet fully acknowledged (Aluko et al, 2016). Although, the government of Tanzania has banned consumption of baobab oil, there is evidence that most people are still using it for treatment of various diseases.…”

“…It is widespread throughout the hot and drier regions of tropical Africa (FAO, 2001). The baobab is an important indigenous fruit tree throughout the drylands of Africa, Malaysia, China, Jamaica and Australia (Aluko et al, 2016). However, little is known about how different parts of the baobab tree are used among ethnic groups in semi-arid zones.…”