Assessment of the proximate composition of Telfarea occidentals and Cucurbita pepo

Abstract

 The proximate potentials of two species of pumpkins Telfairea occidentalis (Hook F.) and Cucurbita
 pepo (Linn) were evaluated using standard methods of analysis. Different parts of the fruits were
 anlaysed. These include the seeds, seed coats, fleshly and fibrous portions. The analysis showed that the
 protein, lipid and calorific values were significantly higher (p>0.01) in the seeds than in any other
 portions followed by the seed coats, edible fleshy and lastly the fibrous portions.  Infact both seeds are
 potentially very good sources of proteins and oils. The fibrous portions of both fruits have significantly
 higher (p>0.01) ash content thus suggesting higher mineral values than the other portions analysed.
 These fibrous portions of both fruits however have significantly lower (p<0.05) fat content than the other
 parts of the fruits. The fleshly portions contained the highest carbohydrate contents. The distribution of
 nutrients in both fruits indicated that the fleshly portions could be very good sources of carbohydrates.  It
 is therefore suggestive that the current habit of discarding some portions of these fruits during
 consumption is unnecessary.