Physicochemical, Biochemical and Antioxidant Potential Characterisation of Cashew Apple (Anacardium occidentale L.) from the Agro-Ecological Zone of Casamance (Senegal)

Abstract

In Africa, the number of undernourished people is increasing at an alarming rate. However, fruits play an important role in humans, especially as a source of vitamins and minerals. In Senegal, there is research on the nut, but no attention given to the cashew apple. The present study contributes to the evaluation of the physicochemical and biochemical properties of cashew apple juice from the eco-geographical area of Casamance, in southern Senegal. The plant material consists of cashew apples collected in June 2021 from 120 cashew trees. Three batches were constituted for this purpose, taking into account the colour of the apples (red, yellow, and orange). AFNOR standardised methods were used for the physicochemical and biochemical characterisation of cashew apple juice. The dry extract, dry matter, and ash content of the red, yellow, and orange varieties ranged from 14 to 14.70 ˚Brix; 12.96% to 14.17%, and 0.24 to 0.35 g/100g respectively. The multivariate analysis of variance by permutation allowed us to identify two groups of cashew apples. The first group, consisting of orange cashew apples, had the best nutritional quality and was very rich in total minerals (0.35 g/100g) and reducing sugars (18.69 mg/100g). The second group, made up of red and yellow apples, is particularly rich in protein (0.52 g/100ml) and antioxidants (43.28% in IP). Antioxidant power is positively correlated with total phenolic content (r = 0.99). Cashew co-products have a high nutritional value and a considerable economic issue.