Composition of pulp, skin and seeds of prickly pears fruit (Opuntia ficus indica sp.)

The proximate composition of pulp, skin and seeds of prickly pear cactus (O puntia ficus indica) was investigated and is reported on a dry weight basis . The most abundant component of the pulp and skin was ethanol-soluble carb ohydrates. Pulp contained glucose (35%) and fructose (29%) while the skin c ontained essentially glucose (21%). Protein content was 5.1% (pulp), 8.3% ( skin) and 11.8% (seeds). Starch was found in each of the three parts of the fruit. Pulp fibers were rich in pectin (14.4%), skin and seeds were rich i n cellulose (29.1 and 45.1%, respectively). Skin was remarkable for its con tent of calcium (2.09%) and potassium (3.4%). Prickly pear is a neglected n utritional source which should be more widely used because of its potential nutrient contribution.