| dc.description.abstract | Balanites aegyptiaca, a forest species of socio-economic interest for rural people, was chosen to be
planted in the frame-work of the Great Green Wall project in Senegal. Although in vastly demand during
food scarcity period before crops harvest, the species’ fruit is poorly valued despite its important
production. In this study, the fruit pulps were harvested at maturity and the biochemical characteristics
were accessed in order to better understand the fruit’s nutritional value. The moisture, sugars, proteins,
amino acids, ash, fat, minerals and some vitamins were determined by standard methods of analysis.
The results indicated that the fruits are a good alimentary source of sugar, minerals (mainly potassium)
and ascorbic acid. The pulp proteins were qualitatively balanced, but were present only in weak
quantities. Its caloric value is high due to the high concentration of sugars. Low humidity should allow
a fairly good postharvest fruit conservation. The dietary intake of this fruit for local people is very
valuable especially in terms of nutrition. | en_US |
