Journal Article

Nutritional Profile of Shea Tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) Fruit Pulp in Lapai, Nigeria

Abstract

Shea tree (Vitellarzia paradoxa) is widely recognized for the butter produced from the nut. This has overshadowed the pulp's worth. The nutritional composition (proximate and mineral) of shea pulp was investigated. The proximate values of Shea pulp showed that the Carbohydrate content is 70.24±0.52 %, Ash content 10.18±0.13 %, Moisture Content 4.29±0.09 %, Crude Protein 3.68±0.02 %, Crude Fibre 10.93±0.90 % and Crude Lipid Content 0.96±0.14 %. The study presented a value of 81.5mg/100g of vitamin C and the mineral composition of the Shea pulp reveals phosphorus with the highest value of 47.62±0.01%, Sodium 30±0.01%, Magnesium 1.015±0.01%, Iron 0.977±0.01% and potassium with the lowest value of 0.841±0.02%. The research concluded that the Shea pulp in Lapai, Niger state, Nigeria, has adequate nutritional compositions that are important in the human diet. The high carbohydrate, crude fiber, and vitamin C content of Shea pulp present an appealing combination that will aid in the reduction of hunger in rural areas during the ripening season, as well as increase the Shea value chain and economic value.

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