PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHANGES IN FRUITS OF THREE DATES PALM (Phoenix dactylifera L.) GROWN IN SOUTH VALLEY, EGYPT

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Food Sci. & Tech. Dept., Fac. of Agric., Assiut University, Egypt.

2 Food Sci. Dept., Fac. of Agric. Sohag University, Egypt

3 Food Sci. & Dairy Dept., Fac. of Agric. South Valley Univ., Egypt

Abstract

The physical and chemical changes in fruits of Siwi, Hagazy and Unknown1 dates palm were studied during three development stages ( Khalal, Semi Rutab and Rutab). Results showed that such characteristics varied greatly during riping stages with some variations between the studied dates samples. Fruit weight, flesh weight and pit weight were decreased from Khalal to Semi-Rutab and Rutab stages. Moisture, ash, protein, fats, non-reducing sugars and fibers contents decreased especially in the Rutab stage. Total and reducing sugars progressively increased from Khalal to Semi-Rutab and Rutab stages. Data revealed that the percentage of potassium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, and cupper decreased from Khalal to Semi-Rutab and Rutab stages except iron increased.