Comparative Study on the Nutritional Content of Carica Papaya at Different Ripening Stages

摘要

Carica papaya (papaw) is the largest edible fruit of the family Caricacae. The fruit had been found to contain some important nutrients that the body need, hence, the fruit is used at homes and industrial work locations as food. In this research, the nutritional content of three different varieties of C. papaya (indigenous variety, solo kapoho and solo sunrise) at various ripening stages was investigated. The result revealed that the indigenous ripe variety contained the highest fat, protein and vitamin the values of 2.94%, 1.65% and 390.33mg/ml respectively while the unripe variety has the highest ash content with value of 9.16%. While solo kapoho ripe was highest in carbohydrate (79.20%), the semi ripe was the highest in crude fibre and vitamin A with values of 28.38% and 218.96IU respectively. Solo kapoho unripe was highest in acidity (0.20%). Solo sunrise ripe was highest in moisture content (24.41%). There is a significant (p < 0.05) difference in the various parameters assayed among the various varieties. The results were discussed in respect to the nutritional statuses of the different varieties at various ripening stages.