Comparison of the Physicochemical Properties of Aubergine (Solanaceae) Varieties Solanum aethiopicum gilo and Solanum melogena Grown in Northern Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Aubergines are common vegetables widely consumed by populations in various meals. Unfortunately, these legumes are not soundly investigated whereas their properties are known to be influenced by environmental conditions. The current work focuses the physico-chemical traits of two aubergines, namely Solanum aethiopicum gilo and Solanum melogena usually produced and marketed in Northern Côte d'Ivoire for better valorisation. From both aubergines fruits sampled from the main local markets, the comparative physicochemical properties reveal higher size, weight and protein content for S. melogena, with respective values of 15.51±1.73 cm, 161.21±33.82 g, and 1.81±0.06%. With S. aethiopicum gilo, greater contents are recorded for reducing carbohydrates (0.18±0.02%), phytates (27.74±0.86 mg/100 g), and oxalates (36.85±5.63 mg/100 g). Besides, the median circumference and the contents in moisture, fat, total carbohydrates, crude fibre, vitamin C, polyphenols, ash and mineral elements, as well as the total caloric energy value of both raw food products are not statistically different at 5% significance. The study strengthens the dietary fibre and natural polyphenols and minerals intake from the consumption of these aubergines although phytates and oxalates are recovered within as antinutrients components.