Proximate and Physicochemical Analysis of the Fruit and Oil of Avocado Pear

Abstract

Physicochemical analysis of the flesh, skin, seed and oil from avocado pear purchased from markets in Mowe Ogun State was carried out using standard procedures. The result of the proximate analysis of the fruit showed that the crude protein ranged from 4.03 ± 0.04 % (flesh) to 3.40 ± 0.09 % (seed), the carbohydrate content was found to be highest in the seed 18.69 ± 0.09 % while the skin had the highest ash content (0.53 ± 0.01 %). Phytochemical screening detected the presence of tannins, phenols, flavonoids and steroids in all the three parts, while saponins and alkaloids were detected only in the skin and seed. Analysis of the oil showed the flesh having the highest iodine value (68.27 ± 1.59g/100g) and an acid value of 0.561±0.00 mgKOH/g. The results of the proximate analysis show the three parts of the avocado fruit contain valuable nutrients which can be used as food. The presence of the various phytochemicals is an indication that this fruit may have some medicinal benefits. With acid, peroxide and iodine values which fall within the recommended range the oil from the avocado flesh a be used both for domestic and industrial purposes.