Chemical Composition of Three Types of Low-grade Dates in Upper Egypt

Abstract

___________________________________________________________ Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the chemical composition of low-grade dates for three types of palm cultivated in Egypt (Phoenixdactylifera L.). in order To assess their sugars, crude protein, crude fat, ash and the moisture. The dates were rich in sugar (71.9–81.5% dry weight), while ash represented (2–2.31%). they contained low concentration of protein and very low concentration of fat (3.37–3.86% and 0.19 –0.26%, respectively),and moisture content (9-11%). Although the mineral contents varied widely, all varieties could be an important source of potassium. These results show that dates are nutritious and can play a major role in human nutrition and health. The high content of sugars found in low-grade dates makes significant chance of use it to produce of bio-alcohol.