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Intraspecific variation in morphological, sensory and nutritional characteristics of Dacryodes edulis fruits in West and Central Africa

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 June 2007

E. Kengni*
Affiliation:
IRAD/ICRAF Project, P.O. Box 2067 (Messa) Yaounde, Cameroon Department of Biochemistry, University of Yaounde 1, P.O. Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon
M. F. Tchouanguep
Affiliation:
Department of Biochemistry, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 96 Dschang, Cameroon
C. M. F. Mbofung
Affiliation:
Department of Food Science and Nutrition, ENSAI, University of Ngaoundere, P.O. Box 455, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
Z. Tchoundjeu
Affiliation:
IRAD/ICRAF Project, P.O. Box 2067 (Messa) Yaounde, Cameroon
K. E. Asaah
Affiliation:
IRAD/ICRAF Project, P.O. Box 2067 (Messa) Yaounde, Cameroon
*
*Corresponding author. IRAD/ICRAF Project, P.O. Box 2067 (Messa) Yaounde, Cameroon. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Six distinct market samples of Dacryodes edulis (safou/African plum) with different fruit colour were characterized in terms of morphological, sensory and nutritional traits that can guide the selection of high-value individual trees for cultivar development. The morphological characteristics assessed were: fruit length, fruit width, fruit and flesh weights, flesh thickness and pulp/fruit ratio, while the sensory characteristics were: acidity, aroma astringency, bitterness, oiliness, preference, fibrousness and sourness. In addition, the biochemical composition (carbohydrates, ash, protein, lipids, dietary fibres, vitamin C, iron, calcium and phosphorus contents) was determined. These attributes all showed great variability, suggesting their importance in the identification of multi-trait ideotypes for potential cultivar development.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © NIAB 2003

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