Seed composition, physical characteristics and mineral content of Sudanese landraces of pumpkin

english

2024

volume 120, issue 1

mineral content   pumpkin   seed composition   Sudan

Univerza v Ljubljani, Biotehniška fakulteta
(Obvezni izvod spletne publikacije)

The study examined 23 landrace pumpkin seed samples from six Sudanese states (South Kordofan (SK), North Kordofan (NK), Gazira (GZ), Gadarif (GF), White Nile (WN), and Blue Nile (BN)), focusing on their composition and physical characteristics. The results showed significant differences in oil percentages, with SK having the highest percentage. Protein content varied between 16.91 % and 26.13 % in NK. The proximate composition of pumpkin seeds also varied significantly. The study found a significant difference in fatty acids, with polyunsaturated fatty acids having 37.02 % and monounsatu-rated fatty acids having 27.50 %. The total unsaturated fatty acids ranged from 55.2 % to 70.2 %, while the total saturated fatty acids ranged from 29.45 % to 45.27 %. Seed length, width, and thickness varied, with WN having the highest kernel percentage (78.45 %). Several minerals were extracted from the seeds, with potassium being the most abundant element, ranging from 946 to 1100 mg 100 g-1. Analysis revealed that the seeds contained a rich source of zinc (Zn), ranging from 8.4 mg 100 g-1 to 16.21 mg 100 g-1. The study concluded that Sudanese landrace pumpkin seeds are valuable for edible oil and protein fortification due to their high levels of oil, protein, and minerals

19.04.2024