Nutritional Composition of Pithecellobium dulce, Guamuchil Aril

Abstract

Determining the nutrient content of easily accessible food can allow us to maximize its use in rural populations. Phitecellobium dulce is abundant in large rural areas of southeast Mexico. Using proximate analyses, we find that the aril of P. dulce contains low moisture content (17.167%) compared to the dry matter (82.832%), as well as high content in carbohydrates (69.092%), which is the major nutritional component. Proteins represent a 9.33% and crude fat, ash and crude fiber percentages were in the range of 1.1 and 1.6%. Significant differences were found in the carbohydrates content when compared on dry basis to on wet basis, although in both cases the same tendency to high values was observed. For crude protein, values were significantly higher on dry basis compared to wet basis and for crude fat content, ash and crude fiber not significant differences were found. We recommend processing and consumption of aril in dry basis for a more efficient use of this food. These results suggest that P. dulce aril could be utilized as a nutritious and affordable food alternative in rural areas.