Pulps of 28 wild fruits from Andaman and
Nicobar Islands, India, were analysed for their total soluble solids
(TSS), acidity, ascorbic acid and carotenoid content. The data showed
that Diospyros pyrrhocarpa (22.0%), Artocarpus integrifolia (21.0%) and
Annona reticulata (21.0%) had high TSS. The fruits showed a wide range
of acidity and a low value (0.06%) was recorded in Gnetum gnemon and
Muntingia calabura (0.16%). The highest total sugars were recorded in
Annona reticulata (18.18%), D. pyrrhocarpa (18.18%) and M. calabura
(14.28%). Majority of these fruits were rich in ascorbic acid and the
highest value was recorded in Artocarpus integrifolia (176.00 mg/100
g). Among the fruits studied, quite a good number were found
exceptionally rich in carotenoids and the highest value (1485.00 mg/100
g) was observed in Artocarpus integrifolia , followed by Artocarpus
lakoocha [Artocarpus lacucha ] (501.41 mg/100 g). The study revealed
that these wild fruits are rich in vitamins and essential nutrients and
thus, their proper utilization, exploitation and conservation is of
utmost importance.
|