PROXIMATE ANALYSIS AND MINERAL DETERMINATION OF Calliandra surinamensis SEED

Proximate composition (moisture, carbohydrate, protein, ash, fat and fibre) and mineral composition (K, Na, Ca, P, Mg, Se, Fe, Cu and Zn) of Calliandra surinamensis seed were determined using standard methods. The % moisture content obtained was (12.80 ± 0.04), % carbohydrate (59.81 ± 0.07), % crude protein (5.95 ± 0.70), % ash (2.63 ± 0.20), % crude fat (4.74 ± 0.17), % crude fibre (14.07 ± 1.33). The mineral content that was analysed in the seed in mg/kg were; K (13.72 ± 1.09), Na (9.50 ± 1.53), Ca (36.92 ± 0.55), Mg (27.50 ± 0.61), Se (0.28 ± 0.11), Fe (0.78 ± 1.29), Cu (0.09 ± 0.08), Zn (0.49 ± 0.10) and P (1.79± 0.07). The result revealed that Calliandra surinamensis seed has a good shelf-life, high carbohydrate content, moderately and acceptable values for crude protein and lipid. The seed was found to be rich in macro mineral elements of calcium, magnesium, sodium and with a higher potassium content compared to sodium.The sodium to potassium ratio (Na+/ K+ 0.69) fell within the range (Na/K ≤1.0) recommended by World Health Organization for prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The seed is also a good source of essential micro mineral elements of iron, selenium, zinc and copper which can aid the development of cell tissues. Therefore, composition of Calliandra surinamensis seed from this study suggests that it would be beneficial for both domestic and industrial applications as complementary food source.