Indigenous knowledge on utilization aspects and nutritional profiling of selected edible wild fruits from Zambia.
| dc.contributor.author | Choolwe, Mutelo | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2022-08-18T12:24:42Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2022-08-18T12:24:42Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2021 | |
| dc.description | Thesis | en |
| dc.description.abstract | In recent years, the potential role of edible wild fruits has been recognized in the reduction of poverty and improving human health and nutrition. Edible wild fruits are an important source of household food security for the poor in both rural and urban communities. Edible wild fruits tend to be overlooked by policy-makers despite their significant contribution to food security, nutrition and health. The aim of this study was establish the nutritional composition and indigenous knowledge on utilization aspects of selected edible wild fruits Masuku (Uapaca kirkiana), Impundu (Parinari curatellifolia), Intugulu (Afromomum africanum) and Imfungo (Anisophyllea Boehimii). The study used a mixed method approach in data collection and analysis. A survey was used to establish indigenous knowledge based on utilization, nutritional and food safety aspects of selected edible wild fruits that included Masuku, Impundu, Intugulu and Imfungo. Detailed questionnaires and focused group discussions were used to collect data on these aspects. Established laboratory methods were used to profile their nutritional composition. Data from the survey and laboratory experiments were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 22). The findings from this study revealed that Masuku, Impundu, Intugulu and Imfungo are mainly consumed raw. The reasons for consuming these fruits include satisfying hunger, snacking, sweetness, and sour taste. Processing of products such as jams, juices and fermented beverages was reported in isolated cases. The wild fruits under investigation were reported to have medicinal uses that include stopping diarrhoea, boosting the immune system, increasing blood levels and boosting appetite of the sick. Food safety concerns were reported for Intungulu and Masuku when consumed in excess. The Intungulu fruit was reported to cause stomach pain due to its high acidic nature while its seeds cause intestinal obstruction when consumed in excess. Excessive consumption of Masuku fruit was reported to cause stomach bloating and sores on the upper pallet of the mouth. All the four fruits investigated were found to contain considerable amounts of selected macro and micronutrients. Total ash content ranged from 2.51 ± 0.09 to 6.33 ± 0.57 g/100g DW, moisture content ranged from 12.25 ± 0.21 to 14.35 ± 0.91 % DW, crude protein content ranged from 11.15 ± 0.07 to 16.30 ± 0.280 g/100g DW, crude fat ranged from 0.89 ± 0.021 to 5.41 ± 0.62 g/100g DW and carbohydrates content ranged from 50.50 ± 2.12 to 56.50 ± 0.07 g/100g DW. Dietary minerals (calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, lead, manganese and zinc) range from 608 ± 57.98 to 953 ± 9.89 mg/kg DW, 529 ± 32.52 to 1206 ± 9.89 mg/kg DW, 14 ± 1.4 to 42.5 ± 2.10 mg/kg DW, 6.82 ± 1.01 to 13.5 ± 2.1 vi mg/kg DW, 0.26 ± 0.056 to 0.58 ± 0.02 mg/kg DW, 5.74 ± 0.106 to 78 ± 5.65 mg/kg DW, 1.60 ± 0.417 to 13 ± 1.41 mg/kg DW respectively. Vitamin A ranged from 52.5 ± 4.94 to 187.5 ± 13.4 mg/kg DW, vitamin B1 ranged from 68.58 ± 5.21 to 142.06 ± 36.50 mg/kg DW, vitamin B2 ranged from 0.001 ± 0.00 to 0.18 ± 0.28 mg/kg DW, vitamin B9 ranged from 1.235 ± 0.106 to 2.385 ± 0.106 mg/kg DW and vitamin C content ranged from 0.57 ± 0.000 to 0.95 ± 0.07 mg/kg DW. There were significant differences in Ash, Moisture, Crude protein, crude fat, carbohydrate, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, lead zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B9 and vitamin C contents among these fruits (p < 0.05). The findings in this study suggest that fruits under investigation could serve as sources of macro and micronutrients in human nutrition. Indigenous knowledge revealed valuable data on utilization, nutritional, medicinal and food safety aspects of the fruits. | en |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://dspace.unza.zm/handle/123456789/7686 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | en |
| dc.publisher | The University of Zambia | en |
| dc.subject | Biotechnology. | en |
| dc.subject | Biological products. | en |
| dc.subject | Biodiversity--Health aspects. | en |
| dc.subject | Conservation of natural resources. | en |
| dc.subject | Environmental health. | en |
| dc.subject | Wild plants, Edible | en |
| dc.title | Indigenous knowledge on utilization aspects and nutritional profiling of selected edible wild fruits from Zambia. | en |
| dc.type | Thesis | en |