Characteristics and composition of the pulp oil and cake of the African pear,Dacryodes edulis (G. don)

Abstract

The pulp of the African pear, Dacryodes edulis, was investigated for its nutritional quality and oil characteristics. The crude protein, fat, fibre and carbohydrate contents were 25.9, 31.9, 17.9 and 13.5%, respectively. The pulp was found to contain significant levels of Ca, Mg, K and P. The fatty acid profiles showed a saturated fatty acid content of 50.85% and an unsaturated fatty acid content of 49.14%. The predominant fatty acids were palmitic and oleic acids. The saponification value and iodine value were 201.4 and 59.6. The amino acid profiles showed high contents of the essential amino acids lysine, leucine and threonine.