A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Conducted in the Past 118 Years on Global Prospective, Scientific Mapping, and Emerging Trends in Wild Fruits

Abstract

Wild edible fruits, commonly referred to as “hidden treasures,” hold a plethora of valuable resources. These fruits have the potential to significantly contribute to the provision of a proportionate and nutritious diet, particularly in impoverished areas across the globe. Despite this, these resources are still underutilized, primarily due to their declining availability and alterations in lifestyle patterns. A bibliometric analysis covering the past 118 years of existence has been conducted to assess the current state of trends, gaps, and research directions in wild fruit research to identify the global research output in this area. In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in research interest towards the growing conservation and domestication of wild fruits, specifically to address the risk of hunger and undernourishment. The quantity of articles has consistently increased since the identification of a significant peak in 2020. However, advanced scientific investigations on appropriate species are recommended to determine the potential species that could alter, augment, or be used as a substitute for the domesticated species in terms of their chemical and nutritional content. In addition, collaboration among various research communities and government or nongovernment organizations is suggested to determine the application of wild fruits in addressing the food security concerns for the increasing global population.