Evaluation of Nutrient, Antinutrient and Phytochemical Properties of Noni Fruit (Morinda citrifolia) Concentrate, Pulp, and Seed

The study assessed the nutrients, anti-nutrients and phytochemical properties of noni concentrate, pulp, and seed. Noni plant is a small evergreen tree, used for both medicinal purposes and for food. Six kilograms (6 kg) of matured, ripe noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia), was harvested by hand picking, from Green Health Farm, Imo State, Nigeria. It was divided into three equal parts, for the purposes of sample preparation and analysis. Noni pulp: One portion of the noni fruit sample was cleaned, washed and drained to remove debris and thereafter, was spread on a clean tray and allowed to air dry, at room temperature. This practice encouraged further ripening and softening of the fruit. The seeds were then removed and the fruit crushed, to extract the pulp. The pulp was packaged in an air tight container and kept in the fridge for further analysis. Noni concentrate: The second portion of the noni fruit samples was cleaned, washed and allowed to air dry on a raised table, under room temperature. With the aid of a juice collection box, the juice was extracted and stored in a clean dry container for further analysis. Noni seed: The third portion of the noni fruit samples was cleaned, washed, to remove debris and thereafter, was crushed by hand to select the seed. The seeds were separated from the pulp by a strong spray of water, and then washed to further remove pulp on the seed. The seeds were dried for 2 days in open air and further oven dried and then grounded to a fine powder and packaged for analysis. The results of the proximate composition of noni seed, pulp and concentrate showed significant difference (p < 0.05) in the protein content of the seed, pulp and concentrate. The crude protein increased from 0.02% to 4.53%. The seed had the highest protein content (4.53%). There was significant difference (p < 0.05) in the moisture content of the seed, pulp and concentrate. The moisture content of the seed (8.27%) was lower than that of pulp (92.55%) and concentrate (88.38%). The crude fiber contents of the seed, pulp and concentrate were all significantly different (p < 0.05). The seed had 28.7% crude fiber value while pulp and concentrate had 0.03% and 1.95% respectively. The ash content of noni seed was significantly (p < 0.05) higher (3.07%), in respect to pulp (1.06%) and concentrate (0.79%). The crude fat values of the pulp (3.98%) and concentrate (2.99%) were higher than the seed (2.00%) and all were significantly different (p < 0.05). Noni seed had the highest nutrient, anti-nutrient and Vitamin B2 content. The high fiber content and phenolic compound found in noni seed make it a functional food.