OPTIMIZATION OF PROCESSING TECHNIQUES FOR AFRICAN BUSH MANGO (IRVINGIA GABONENSIS) FRUIT JUICE, AND POWDER PRODUCTION

Nutritional Composition.The results show that African Bush Mango is rich in lipids (35.29% in juice and 46.86% in fresh fruit) and carbohydrates (55.21% in juice and 46.316% in fresh fruit). This is consistent with previous studies that reported high lipid and carbohydrate contents in African Bush Mango (Okolo et al., 2017; Tchoundjeu et al., 2010).Moisture ContentThe moisture content of African Bush Mango juice (1.874%) and fresh fruit (0.614%) is relatively low. This suggests that the fruit can be stored for longer periods without spoilage, making it a valuable commodity for trade and commerce.Protein ContentThe protein content of African Bush Mango is relatively low (1.07% in juice and 1.05% in fresh fruit). This is consistent with previous studies that reported low protein contents in African Bush Mango (Okolo et al., 2017; Tchoundjeu et al., 2010).Fiber ContentThe fiber content of African Bush Mango is moderate (5.89% in juice and 4.69% in fresh fruit). This suggests that the fruit can be a useful ingredient in food products that require fiber enrichment.Ash ContentThe ash content of African Bush Mango is relatively low (0.666% in juice and 0.47% in fresh fruit). This suggests that the fruit has a low mineral content.Comparison with Other FruitsThe nutritional composition of African Bush Mango is comparable to other tropical fruits such as mangoes and avocados. However, African Bush Mango has a unique combination of high lipid and carbohydrate contents, making it a valuable commodity for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications.