Determination of the proximate composition and total antioxidants of the locally available fruits

Abstract

The Biochemistry Section at the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) in Faisalabad served as the research hub for our study throughout 2020-21. We delved into the antioxidants and biochemical parameters found in an array of fruits including peach (Prunus persica), grapes (Vitis vinifera), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), lychee (Litchi chinensis), fig (Ficus carica), plum (Prunus domestica), sweet lime (Citrus limetta), Kuranda (Carissa carandas), kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa), and pear (Pyrus communis). These fruits offer vital nutrition like Vitamin C, ranging from 2.49 in fig to 48.7 in sweet lime, mineral matter is minimum (0.34%) in pear and maximum 6.19% in Lychee, crude fiber was highest (7.26%) in kuranda and lowest (0.82%) in Grapefruit, crude fat was less than 1 in all the fruits except kuranda having crude fat 1.66%. crude protein was also less than one in most of the fruits under study except Fig (2.05%), Plum (3.33%) and Kuranda (1.16%). Total antioxidants were higher in Peach (94.1%) followed by Plum (88.5%), Sweet lime (84.6%) and Fig (83.9%) while lowest value was observed in Kuranda (10.4%). Their adequate consumption not only fortifies the immune system but also serves as a shield against afflictions. Phenols packed abundantly within fruits, stand out as some of the most nutrient-rich components. Total phenols were ranging from 13.8 µg GAE/mL (Grapefruit) to 1182.5 µg GAE/mL (Kuranda). Total sugar lies between 6% (Plum) to 14.3% (Luchee). This paper delves deep into an exhaustive analysis of bioactive compounds, exploring their antioxidant capacities within the most widely cultivated fruits. Our exploration identifies that all the fruits are useful due to one or more nutritious elements. Our findings conclusively advocate the regular consumption of fruits, emphasizing their pivotal role in fostering nutrition and safeguarding against diseases.