Proximate composition, mineral analysis and antioxidant capacity of indigenous fruits and vegetables from temperate region of Indian Himalayas

摘要

The promotion and consumption of indigenous minor fruits and vegetables could help to mitigate food insecurity and alleviate malnutrition in developing countries. Nutrient composition and antioxidant capacity of some fruits and vegetables were investigated during the present study. Proximate and mineral compositions were determined using standard methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists. The result of the study revealed that proximate composition (g/100 g) on dry weight basis significantly (P 0.05) varied. Mineral concentrations (mg/100 g) also significantly (P 0.05) varied with most abundant were P (340 mg/100 g) and Si (360 mg/100 g) for handh, Ca (404.12 mg/100 g) and K (298.24 mg/100 g) for sustchal, Ca (248 mg 100 g) and P (525 g/100 g) for quince, Na (9.23 mg/100 g) and Fe (12.40 mg/100 g) for cherry. The results of antioxidant analysis showed that, all the fruits and vegetables studied had significantly (P 0.05) different quantities of antioxidants. The results showed that minor fruits and vegetables contain appreciable amount of vital nutrients like protein, fiber, calcium, iron, zinc and antioxidants. Therefore, increase in the production and consumption of these nutrient-rich minor indigenous fruits and vegetables will help to supplement and formulate the diets and alleviate the problems associated with malnutrition in the country.