Composition of pulp, skin and seeds of prickly pears fruit (Opuntia ficus indica sp.)

Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 1998;52(3):263-70. doi: 10.1023/a:1008000232406.

Abstract

The proximate composition of pulp, skin and seeds of prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) was investigated and is reported on a dry weight basis. The most abundant component of the pulp and skin was ethanol-soluble carbohydrates. Pulp contained glucose (35%) and fructose (29%) while the skin contained essentially glucose (21%). Protein content was 5.1% (pulp), 8.3% (skin) and 11.8% (seeds). Starch was found in each of the three parts of the fruit. Pulp fibers were rich in pectin (14.4%), skin and seeds were rich in cellulose (29.1 and 45.1%, respectively). Skin was remarkable for its content of calcium (2.09%) and potassium (3.4%). Prickly pear is a neglected nutritional source which should be more widely used because of its potential nutrient contribution.

MeSH terms

  • Calcium / analysis
  • Cellulose / analysis
  • Dietary Carbohydrates / analysis
  • Dietary Fiber / analysis
  • Dietary Proteins / analysis
  • Ethanol
  • Fructose / analysis
  • Fruit / chemistry*
  • Glucose / analysis
  • Nutritive Value
  • Pectins / analysis
  • Plants, Edible
  • Potassium / analysis
  • Seeds / chemistry
  • Solubility
  • Starch / analysis

Substances

  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Dietary Proteins
  • Fructose
  • Ethanol
  • Pectins
  • Cellulose
  • Starch
  • Glucose
  • Potassium
  • Calcium