Journal of Applied Horticulture. 2001: 3(1): 60-62

Nutrient composition of some wild edible fruits of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Singh, D B; Attri, B L; Sharma, T V R S; Sreekumar, P V

Central Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair - 744 101 (Andamans), India.

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.