Composition of native american fruits in the Pacific Northwest.

Thirteen species of native fruits eaten by Pacific Northwest Indians were analyzed for proximate composition, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and ascorbic acid content. To determine relative nutrient contributions of these fruits to the diet, these data were combined with anthropological data, and a comparison with the RDA was made. The fruits analyzed may have provided substantial quantities of kilocalories, ascorbic acid, iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium to the Pacific Northwest Indian diet. This information can be useful to dietitians involved in nutrition counseling of American Indians who are currently striving to retain certain cultural foods as part of their diet.