Phytochemicals, Functional Properties and Nutritional Potential of Baobab (Adansonia digitata) Fruit Powder from Ghana Semi-Deciduous Forest Zone

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the intrinsic phytochemical constituents, functional properties, and nutritional composition of the underutilised baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit powder sourced from the semi-deciduous forest zone of Volta region, Ghana. The study employed acceptable methods and procedures for the determination of elemental mineral compositions, macro nutrients and functional properties of the baobab fruit powder. Statistical analysis were performed in R software, version 4.5.1; R Core Team, 2022 using Tukey’s HSD post-hoc test at the 5% level of significance. The protein, fat, and carbohydrate contents were found at 2.65±0.1%, 0.63±0.2%, and 78.55±0.2%, respectively. Also, the micro minerals were found at 2.39%, 0.42%, 0.16% and 0.08%, respectively for potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. The water absorption capacity of the baobab pulp was detected at 332.73±6.2% among other functional parameters studied. The mean total sugar (glucose) and vitamin C were 5.54 g/100 g and 55.5±0.22 mg/100 g, respectively. The pH of the pulp was detected at 2.97±0.01 and described as acidic.  The rich phytochemical profile, favourable functional properties and the great amount of micro- and macro-nutrients in the baobab pulp underscore its potential as a sustainable nutrient dense ingredient that can enhance diversity and contribute to food and nutrient security.