ASSESSMENT OF THE NUTRITIONAL POTENTIAL OF THE KERNELS OF THE SEEDS OF TETRACARPIDIUM CONOPHORUM COLLECTED IN LÉKANA IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PLATEAUX IN THE REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Abstract

Tetracarpidium conophorum, commonly known by the names, African nut, kaso or "Nkah" in Congo, belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is a rainforest plant that can also be found in shrubs in the Republic of Congo, in the wild. Its seeds contain almonds rich in fat (47.15%), protein (33.95%), with a moisture content of 4%. The carbohydrate content is relatively low (7.77%). The fibers and the ashes represent respectively: 0.15% and 9.14%. Among the minerals identified are: Phosphorus: 1.46%, Iron: 0.01%, Calcium: 1.57%, Magnesium: 0.19% and Nitrogen: 5.45%. The calculated energy value is 591.23 Kcal / 100g.