Analytical and Nutritional Evaluation of Velvet Tamarind (Dialium guineense) Pulps

The ash contents, minerals, anti nutritional factors, calorific value and vitamin C of velvet tamarind pulps were investigated. The results showed: total ash (1.47±0.02%), water soluble ash (0.40±0.10%), acid insoluble ash (2.31±0.15%) and sulphated ash (1.95±0.01%). The minerals in the sample included: sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. Potassium was the highest with the value of 124±0.50mg/g, while zinc was the lowest with the value of 11.8±0.02 mg/g. The anti nutritional factors showed that velvet tamarind pulps contained: oxalate (2.251±0.01 mg/g), tannin (0.0076±0.03%), phytate (112.82±0.02 mg/g) and cyanide (0.338±0.04%). The value of vitamin C in the sample was 33.33±0.10 mg/100 g while the energy value was 761.4±0.01 kJ/100 g. The results indicated that the velvet tamarind pulps would provide essential valuable minerals, energy and vitamin C needed for good body development.