Comparison of Proximate and Phytonutrient Compositions of Cashew Nuts and Apples from Different Geographical Areas of Burkina Faso

Abstract

The cashew plant is an allogamous plant that produces two types of fruits: the nut and the cashew apple. The present study was conducted to perform a comparison of proximate and phytonutrient compositions of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) nuts and apples from different geographical areas of Burkina Faso. For this purpose, 60 samples of apples and kernels were collected from the three main cashew cultivation areas. The nutritional potential of cashew nuts and apples produced was evaluated to enhance their food processing. Protein, carbohydrates, lipids, dietary fibers, ascorbic acid, tannins, anthocyanins, chlorophyll, lycopene, and β-carotene contents were assessed. The results revealed high contents of lipids ( 50.42 ± 2.3 g/100 gDW), proteins ( 22.32 + − 1.8 g/100 gDW), and starch ( 12.05 ± 1.27 g/100 g DW) in almonds. Apples, on the other hand, are rich in lipids, ascorbic acid ( 387.45 ± 17.4 mg/100 g), soluble sugars ( 387.45 ± 17.4 mg/100 g,), and pigments (lycopene, anthocyanin, β-carotene, and chlorophyll). In summary, almonds may be suitable as a source of lipids and related products. Apples can be used as natural antioxidants and produce juices. All of these data are important clues for cashew by-product processing. These results obtained provide a scientific basis for their food and economical valorization of cashew fruits.

A Comparative Analysis of the Nutritional and Chemical composition of six West African Medicinal Fruits

“…One hundred, 100 g of cashew nuts contains 46 mg of vitamin E (46 mg/100 g). Vitamin E of Cashew nut offers extraordinary strength to the body, it is useful in the treatment of premature aging, skin remineralization, lines and wrinkle prevention in the face (54,55).…”

“…High fibre diet reduces blood sugar and lipids levels and significant reduction in weight. Fibre has both nutritional and pharmacological properties and values (51,52,53,54).…”

“…Micronutrient Mineral Composition of Anacardium occidentale, Annona muricata, Mangifera indica, Carica papaya, Chrysophyllum albidum and Tetrapleura tetraptera Fruit ,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49). Annona muricata showed the highest concentration of Iron (Fe), 119.00 mg/100 g, next was Tetrapleura tetraptera, 17.47 mg/100 g, then, Chrysophyllum albidum 11.03 mg/100 g, Anacardium occidentale, 6.97 mg/100 g, Mangifera indica, 5.63 mg/100 g, and Carica papaya with lowest score of 2.15 mg/100 g.A disproportionate amount of Manganese (Mn) occurred in Annona muricata, 2010.00 mg/100 g, another high concentration was found in Tetrapleura tetraptera, 333.75 mg/100 g, next was Chrysophyllum albidum 31.90 mg/100 g, Anacardium occidentale, 6.40 mg/100 g, and low concentrations in Mangifera indica and Carica papaya, which scored 0.16 and 0.04 mg/100 g, respectively.Highest concentration of Zinc (Zn), 35.00 mg/100 g occurred in Annona muricata, next, was Tetrapleura tetraptera, 15.88 mg/100 g, then Anacardium occidentale, 11.20 mg/100 g and low levels in Chrysophyllum albid...…”

The effects of incorporating dried cashew apple in the diet of broiler chickens on growth performance, total tract digestibility, and gut health

“…Cashew apple is a rich source of carbohydrates, fibre, and antioxidants, making it a potential ingredient in poultry diets (Das;Arora, 2017;Reina et al, 2022;Akyereko et al, 2023;Van-Walraven;Stark, 2023). However, like other agro-industrial by-products, cashew apple has several limitations in its usage as a feed component, including its low nutrient density, high fibre content, and presence of anti-nutritional elements (Vergara et al, 2010;Tamiello-Rosa et al, 2019;Dakuyo et al, 2022;Akyereko et al, 2023). These variables may alter chickens' nutritional digestibility, growth performance, and health status (Gilani et al, 2012).…”