Comparative Analysis of the Nutritional Contents of Avocado Pear (Persea Americana) and African Pear (Dacryodes Edulis)

Abstract

Pear, a medium- sized tree which is cultivated for its fruit belongs to the genius pyrus and family Roseceae. It is second in popularity only to the apple among deciduous fruits of the world and has many varieties. Proximate analysis of nutrient composition of two of its varieties, Persea Americana and Dacryodes Edulis were carried out chemically by adopting the conventional methods from A. O. A. C. (2000). Varied percentages of the following nutrients, fat, protein, ash, moisture, vitamin E & C, calcium, magnesium and fiber etc were obtained. Both varieties of pear have similar chemical constituents although in varying compositions, serve as food to man and play important role in life processes. The result obtained show that PERSEA AMERICANA has lower mineral content than DACRYODES EDULIS