Evaluation of Cucurbita pepo L. Fruit Shell by Proximate and Mineral Analyses

The leaves, fruit pulp and seeds of Cucurbita pepo are widely consumed as vegetables, and as food additives. They are used as condiments in some part of the country and also for their medicinal properties. This study, however investigated the fruit shell of Cucurbita pepo for its proximate and mineral composition using standard analytical methods.

The fruit shell was separated from the pulp and seeds, washed, dried and homogenized. Proximate composition was determined using standard procedures; the sample was later digested with concentrated nitric acid and perchloric acid for mineral analysis.

The proximate composition showed that the fruit shell is rich in carbohydrates (44.60±0.06%) and crude fiber (28.53±0.08%). Protein, ash, moisture and fat were also present in considerable amounts. Minerals such as Na, K, P, Cu, Mg, Fe, Ca and Mn were present at varying concentrations while Zn and Cr were not detected. Findings from this study which correlate with previous works show that C. pepo fruit shell is a natural repository of nutrients which play a range of important roles in different metabolisms of the body.

The results showed that C. pepo fruit shell is nutritious and can be used in formulating feed for livestocks, hence its disposal should be discouraged.