Abstract
Nutritive composition and energy contribution of the fruit of Maerua pseudopetalosa, a food extender in Senegal. Abstract-Introduction. The foods known to be used in times of food shortage, the majority of which are fruits, are identified all over the world such as in Australia, in Sudan, in Senegal, in America, in Sahel and in Chad. The work carried out on these fruits often concerns their nutritive values. In Senegal, Maerua pseudopetalosa (Gil & Gil-Ben) De Wolf, a species of the Capparidaceae family, provides consumable fruits to the native populations for the lean period. No scientific study has yet reported the nutritive composition and energy contribution of this species' fruit. Our study evaluated its contribution of nutritive elements. Materials and methods. Mature fruits of M. pseudopetalosa were collected in June 2007 and May 2008 in the neighborhoods of the villages of Kéniéba and Koussane, in the area of Tam-bacounda in Senegal. The almonds were dried and crushed for the requirements of various samples. Ashes, protein, sugars, fat and mineral elements were determined by standardized traditional methods of analysis. Results and discussions. Our results show that the fruit of M. pseudopetalosa is rich in iron (26.8-45.9 mg·kg-1), potassium (1098-1342 mg·kg-1) and protein (19.26-22.06%). However, the amino acid profile testifies to the poor nutritional quality of its protein. Conclusion. Our analysis shows that, despite everything, the M. pseudopetalosa fruit constitutes an excellent source of nutrients and can validly make up certain deficiencies, especially in periods of food shortage. Senegal / Maerua pseudopetalosa / fruits / proximate composition / mineral content / food supply Composition nutritive et apport énergétique du fruit de Maerua pseudopetalosa, aliment de soudure au Sénégal.