Determination Of Physico-Chemical Properties Of Bitter Kola (Garcinia Kola)

Oloko S.A., Oyedele O.A.

This study evaluate the proximate composition, mineral composition and anti-nutrient content of (wet and dry) better kola.  Colour appearance, shape and size, texture, odour, flavor and colour peeled seed were some of the physical properties observed.  From the experimental results of the average value of the physical properties of wet and dry bitter kola samples 1.268g/cm3 and 1.517g/cm3 were recorded as the density, volume and mass of the wet dry bitter kola seed respectively.  Carbohydrate of dry bitter kola and carbohydrate of wet bitter kola seeds were 72.84% and 43.94% respectively.  The Moisture content of dry (13.78%) was significantly lower than the moisture content of wet (51.97%), while Crude Ash for dry (0.74%) is higher than Crude Ash for wet (0.31%), crude protein for dry (5.32%) is higher than crude protein for wet (1.295%), crude fat for dry (3.37%) is higher than crude fat for wet (1.295) and crude fibre for dry (3.97%) is higher than crude fibre for wet (1.45%) all present in appreciable amounts.  The Minerals and Anti-nutrient analysis revealed the nutritional and medicinal values of Bitter kola.  The levels of Iron, Zinc, Copper, Lead, Magnesium, Manganese, Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorous in dried bitter kola seeds is higher than wet bitter kola seed.  The anti-nutrient results obtained showed that Oxalate (7.52mg/100g), Phytate (95.17mg/100g), Tannin (1.04mg/100g) and Alkaloids (4.61mg/100g) were obtained for dried bitter kola while (2.84mg/100g), (104.24mg/100g), (0.62mg/100g), and (1.22mg/100g) were obtained for wet bitter kola seeds.  These result suggested and the bitter kola possess nutritional and healthy benefits.