Morphological and Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Saba comorensis: a Highly Preferred Lake Victoria Basin Indigenous Fruit Tree in Busia District, Eastern Uganda

Abstract

Saba comorensis, an indigenous fruit tree (IFT) that is eaten when staple foods such as bananas, cassava, rice and maize are in short supply has not been investigated for its physico-chemical properties. The morphological characteristics and physicochemical characteristics of mature ripe fruits of S. comorensis from Busia district (Uganda) were determined. The results showed that the fruit mean weight, fruit breath, fruit length and percentage pulp weight were; 262.51±116.55 g, 7.36±1.18 mm, 7.43±1.35 mm and 7.72%, respectively. The fruit pulp was acidic (pH=3.10±0.04) and rich in crude protein(4.83±0.01 g/100 g), dietary fibre (7.97±0.85 g/100 g), β-carotene (1.270±00 mg/100 g), vitamins C (430.50± 34.65 mg/100 g) and minerals like potassium (1493.75±321.73), magnesium (894.9±0.32 mg/100 g) and calcium (209.0±0.51 mg/100 g). Saba comorensis is nutritious fruit that can be consumed; particularly during times of food shortages. Therefore, there is need to promote on-farm domestication and consumption of S. comorensis for food and nutritional security.