Nutritional composition of minor indigenous fruits: Cheapest nutritional source for the rural people of Bangladesh

In line of the development of a food composition database for Bangladesh, 10 minor indigenous fruits were analysed for their nutrient composition comprising ascorbic acid, carotenoids and mineral values. Nutrient data obtained have been compared with published data reported in different literatures, book and United States Department of Agriculture-National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference. Ascorbic acid was highest in Wood apple and lowest in Roselle. Monkey jack contained the highest amount of carotenoids, zinc and copper. Content of calcium, magnesium and phosphorous were found highest in Antidesma velutinum. Potassium was the highest in Wood apple followed by in Moneky jack. It was noted that most of the minor fruits have much higher amount of ascorbic acid than the national fruit – Jack fruit ripe, the king fruit – Mango ripe of Bangladesh and exotic fruits – Apple and Grapes. The nutrient values of these minor fruits would make awareness among the people for their mass consumption for healthy life and to grow more minor fruit trees from extinction in order to maintain biodiversity.

► The vitamin and mineral content of 10 minor indigenous fruits of Bangladesh was determined for the first time.
► The minor fruits contained higher amounts of vitamins and minerals than major national and imported fruits.
► Results of the study would help to create awareness of the people to eat minor indigenous fruits.
► Peoples will grow more minor fruits tree to protect the fruits tree from extinction.