Physio-chemical properties of five cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale L.) varieties grown in different regions of Tanzania

Abstract

Cashew apple fruits are deserted by majority of cashew nuts producers despite of being rich in useful nutrients namely vitamins, minerals and sugar. This study was carried out to determine the physical-chemical properties of five cashew apple varieties from Mtwara and Lindi regions in south-eastern part and Coast region in eastern part of Tanzania. Cashew apple varieties named B.D, AC4, AC10, AZA2 and AZA17 were selected and analysed for vitamin C, carotenoids, total sugar, total phenolic content (TPC), minerals, pH, total soluble solids (TSS) and total titratable acidity (TTA) using standard methods and procedures. Significant different (p <0.05) was observed in vitamin C, total sugar, TPC, TSS and TTA between the five varieties and sites with the content ranging from; Vitamin C (253.09-348.54mg/100ml), total sugar (88700–219400mg/L), TPC (1066.55 – 2886.67 mg/L GAE), TSS (14.94 - 20.36 °Brix) and TTA (0.18% - 0.72%). Other parameters, pH and carotenoids differed significantly between varieties (p < 0.001) but there was no significant different observed between sites with content ranging from; carotenoids (5.51-12.74mg/L), pH (3.87-5.09). Minerals (Ca2+, K+, Mg2+, Na+, P3˗ , Fe2+, Zn2+ and Cu2+) content differed significantly between varieties and sites (p <0.05), except for Calcium, Magnesium and Sodium. These results have availed the potential nutritional value of locally available cashew apple fruits to food and nutrition security if well promoted for utilization.