Analysis of Nutritional Profiles of Indigenous Edible Fruits from Tanzania's Miombo Woodlands and their Relevance To Food Security.

Abstract

The integration of indigenous edible fruits into food systems is crucial for improving food security. However, there is limited scientific understanding of the nutritional contents of these fruits in Tanzania's Miombo woodland. The study analyses the proximate composition, moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins B9, A, and C, and minerals, Fe, Na, Mg, Ca, P, K, Zn, and Mn using the standard methods. One-way ANOVA and a post-hoc test, the Duncan Multiple Ranges Test, check the existing differences between groups. The results showed the moisture content for Phyllanthus engleri, Microcos Burm, Strychnos cocculoides, Vitex doniana, and Parinari curatellifolia ranged from 12.58 to 72.03%; crude protein (2.53-10.9%), crude fat (0.1-21.34%), crude fiber (1.2-6.17%), ash (2.6-9.41%), carbohydrates (25.78-80.44%), vitamin B9 (0.6-12.64 µg/100 g), vitamin A (0.43-5.63 µg/100 g), and vitamin C (7.38-526.43 µg/100 g). P. curatellifolia, P. engleri, and S. cocculoides can be a source of vitamin C. M. Burm and V. doniana are a good source of protein, with a crude protein of 9.37-10.9%, and have less crude fat. The moisture levels range from 12.90 to 72.93%, which is ideal for exploring the future potential for inventing drying practices and bioavailability of these nutrients. P. curatellifolia is rich in carbohydrates, iron, zinc, and sodium, while S. spinosa has high magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese, and V. doniana can supply calcium and potassium. The indigenous edible fruits offer numerous nutritional benefits, making them a promising option for food security and food transformation, enhancing environmental health, and preserving biodiversity. Agriculture and food policies in Tanzania may consider these indigenous fruits into food systems to combat micronutrients and food insecurity in rural settings and beyond.