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Cashew apple fruits are deserted by majority of cashew nuts producers despite of being rich in useful nutrients
namely vitamins, minerals and sugar. This study was carried out to determine the physical-chemical properties
of five cashew apple varieties from Mtwara and Lindi regions in south-eastern part and Coast region in eastern
part of Tanzania. Cashew apple varieties named B.D, AC4, AC10, AZA2 and AZA17 were selected and analysed
for vitamin C, carotenoids, total sugar, total phenolic content (TPC), minerals, pH, total soluble solids (TSS) and
total titratable acidity (TTA) using standard methods and procedures. Significant different (p <0.05) was
observed in vitamin C, total sugar, TPC, TSS and TTA between the five varieties and sites with the content
ranging from; Vitamin C (253.09-348.54mg/100ml), total sugar (88700–219400mg/L), TPC (1066.55 –
2886.67 mg/L GAE), TSS (14.94 - 20.36 °Brix) and TTA (0.18% - 0.72%). Other parameters, pH and carotenoids
differed significantly between varieties (p < 0.001) but there was no significant different observed between sites
with content ranging from; carotenoids (5.51-12.74mg/L), pH (3.87-5.09). Minerals (Ca2+, K+, Mg2+, Na+, P3˗ ,
Fe2+, Zn2+ and Cu2+) content differed significantly between varieties and sites (p <0.05), except for Calcium,
Magnesium and Sodium. These results have availed the potential nutritional value of locally available cashew
apple fruits to food and nutrition security if well promoted for utilization. |
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