PROXIMATE AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF BLACK TAMARIND SEED (Dalium guineense)

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to evaluate the nutritional composition and the physico-chemical properties of Black Tamarind seed (Dialium guineense). The results obtained on proximate analysis revealed that carbohydrate (78.79% ± 0.09), Protein (15.26% ± 0.06), Fat (2.10% ± 0.00), Fibre (1.42% ± 0.02), Moisture (1.02% ± 0.01) and Ash (1.32% ± 0.02). The following results were obtained for physico-chemical properties (g); Acid value (35.06 ± 0.06), Saponification value (0.23 ± 0.03), Specific gravity (0.9 ± 0.05), Density (1.30 ± 0.03), Free fatty acid (69.77 ± 0.07), Refractive index (1.45 ± 0.05) and Viscosity (28.88 ± 0.08).

CHAPTER ONE

1.0       INTRODUCTION

Black Tamarind seed (Dialium guineense) has been described as one of the common and most importance trees of India. Tamarind is indigenous to tropical Africa particularly Sudan, where it continues to grow wild. It is also cultivated in Cameroon, Nigeria, India and Tanzania. In Arabia, it is found in growing in Oman, especially Dhofer; it grows on the seafaring slopes of mountains. It reaches South Asia likely through human transportation and cultivation several thousand years prior to the Common Era (Morton, 1987).

In the 16th century, it was heavily introduced to Mexico and to a lesser degree to South America by Spanish and Portuguese colonist, such that it became a staple ingredient in the region cuisine (Tamale et al., 1995). Today, India is the world top producer, exporting several thousands of tones of seed, seed powder and fruit pulp each year.

1.1       DESCRIPTION

The tamarind is a long-lived medium growth, bushy tree, which attains a maximum crown height of 12 – 18 metre (40 – 60 feet). The crown has an irregular vague shaped outline of dense foliage. The tree grows well in full sun in clay, loam and sandy and acidic soil types with a high drought and aerosoil salt resistance.

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