Trace Metal Distribution and Nutritional Values of Some Varieties of Water Melon in Ogun State Nigeria

Abstract

The trace metal distribution and the nutritional values of some tropical varieties of watermelon found in local markets in Ogun State Nigeria; Citrullus Vulgaris. Var. Lanatus, Citrullus Lanatus Var. Citroides and Citrullus Vulgaris Var. Lanatus has been investigated and results has shown that the three varieties have nearly same percentage water content on their fleshy fruit part; Citrullus V. Var. Lanatus – 91.45 %, Citrullus L.Var. Citroides – 91.50 % and Citrullus V. Var. Lanatus – 91.35 %. Accordingly the water content of the seeds were also close; 5.15 %, 5.15 % and 5.10%. The bulk of the proteins were in the seeds; 28.10 g, 28.10 g and 28.20 g whereas the flesh indicated low values; 0.60 g, 0.59 g and 0.61 g. Also the bulk of the lipids reside in the seeds; 46.2 g/kg, 46.20 g/kg and 47.25 g/kg whereas the flesh indicated low values; 0.42 g/kg, 0.41 g/kg and 0.39 g/kg respectively. The carbohydrate content indicated high values in the seeds; 15.21 g/kg, 15.21 g/kg and 15.28 g/kg. The values indicated by the flesh were significant; 7.18 g/kg, 7.05 g/kg and 7.11 g/kg. Ascorbic acid was only present in the flesh. The trace metals like calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper and manganese were found in varying amounts but selenium was only found in the flesh and not in the seed.