SIGNIFICANCE FOR HUMANS OF THE NUTRIENT CONTENTS OF THE DRY FRUIT OF TETRAPLEURA-TETRAPTERA

The nutritional quality of the dry fruit of Tetrapleura tetraptera, a tropical deciduous forest tree with characteristic fruits, used as a s pice, was assessed. The fruit shell, fruit pulp and seed contained var ying amounts of nutrients such as protein, lipids and minerals, which were comparable and some were even higher than popular spices such as red pepper, onion, curry and ginger. The crude fibre content of the fr uit shell was noteworthy and can be considered a good source of this n utritional factor. The distribution of crude lipids which indicated th e location of the aroma of the spice, would enhance the processing of the fruit and improve its use.