Morphological variability, physical characteristics and proximate composition of Saba senegalensis fruit pulps from plant ecotypes in Burkina Faso.

Fruits of Saba senegalensis are of great socio-economic and nutritional importance to the rural population of Burkina Faso. However, little is known about differences among morphological and biochemical characteristics of the fruits from plant ecotypes. The aim of this study was to assess both morphological characteristics and proximate composition of S. senegalensis pulps from different geographical areas of high production in Burkina Faso. Fruit size, material balance and biochemical composition were determined. Results showed significant variations in the agro-morphological and physico-chemical characteristics depending on ecotypes. Fruits had different shapes depending on the area, with average values for length, thickness and shape coefficient of 76.93 %, 62.33 % and 1.33 %, respectively. Nonetheless, the Sud-Ouest and Centre-Sud regions had the largest fruit, as well as the highest material balance percentage. This was the case for the pulp content and pulp/seed ratio with mean values of 15.70 ± 5.28 and 62.17 ± 28.50 in the Sud-Ouest and 19.62 ± 1.93 % and 68.10 ± 13.08 % in the Centre-Sud. Similarly, the mean values for pH, titratable acidity and Brix degree of the pulp were 2.93, 4.10 % and 22.18 %, observed in Sud-Ouest and 2.82, 4.08 % and 21.92 % observed in Centre-Sud, respectively. Mean levels of ash, lipids, sugar (total and reduced) and fibers were 2.99 0.49 %, 6.72 ± 1.66 %, 19.71 ± 0.57 %, 19.34 ± 4.73 % and 25.72 ± 4.31 %, respectively. For minerals, the mean levels were 118.19 ± 22.77 mg/100 g, 13.13 ± 4.87 mg/100 g, 97.41 ± 0.13 mg/100 g, 10.39 ± 3.25 mg/100 g, 0.66 ± 3.46 mg/100 g and 3.43 ± 0.82 mg/100 g for Mg, Na, Ca, Zn, Cu and Fe, respectively. Statistical analyses assessed the variability among fruits from villages in the same region and from one region to another. It appeared that fruits from the Sud-Ouest and Centre-Sud regions are the most interesting ones with respect to nutrient contents. Data provide evidence basis for nutritional and economical valorization of S. senegalensis fruits.