ABSTRACT

This study aimed at characterizing the fruits of Canarium schweinfurthii Linn. of it's the physical and chemical properties. Fruits were collected from three agroecological zones of Nigeria. The nutritional and oil characteristics were investigated using Complete randomized design (CRD) with three replications in each treatment. The chemical analyses carried out were on the moisture protein, lipid, ash contents, phytochemicals, minerals, vitamins and oil characteristics of the fruits. The result of the proximate analysis revealed that samples from Ebonyi State had the significant values (P<0.05) in the protein (11.83±0.11%), crude fibre (16.40±0.00%), ash (1.44±0.57%) and fat content (16.70±0.00%) while those samples from Abia State had significant values in moisture (54.45±0.35%) and carbohydrate contents (4.03±0.60%). The result of phytochemicals analysis reveals the tannin and saponin contents of samples from Ebonyi State had the significant values of (0.75 ±0.00mg/i 00g) and (2.15 ±0.71mg/i 00g) respectively. The phenol and flavonoid contents of samples from Abia State had a very significant value (p><0.01) . The calcium content of the samples from Abia State had a very significant value (86.62±0.11mg/100g). The vitamin A and E contents of the Abia State samples had very significant values (6.73 ±0.11mg/100g) and (5.20±0.64mg/100g) respectively. The Ebonyi State samples had significant value of vitamin C content (26.75 ±0.07mg/100g). The saponification value and iodine value of the samples from Ebonyi had very significant values (185.61±0.2lmg/kOHlg) and (5.78±0.11wizi) respectively. In conclusion, the results reveal variations in physical properties of Canarium schweinfurthii Linn. (African elemi) samples from three zones and however it is recommended that oil extract from the fruit of Canarium schweinfurthii Linn. (African elemi) can be used for consumption purposes as well as industrial purposes.