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Assessment of Proximate Compositions and Functional Properties of Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) Seeds Flour

Monica Omotiese Kadiri, and Enobong Okon Umoh

Abstract

This work investigated the proximate composition and functional properties of flour produced from watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seeds using oven drying method. The seeds were sourced from local markets in Akwa Ibom State, extracted, cleaned, oven-dried at 60°C for 6 hours, and milled into flour. Proximate analysis revealed moisture content of 5.40 ± 0.10%, ash 1.76 ± 0.1528%, fat 24.50 ± 0.30%, protein 28.03 ± 0.4041%, fibre 4.10 ± 0.10%, carbohydrate 36.40 ± 0.3606%, and energy value 478.23 ± 1.8893 kcal/100g. Functional properties included solubility 12.23 ± 0.2082%, foaming capacity 10.90 ± 0.3606%, bulk density 5.32 ± 0.0704 g/cm3, swelling power 0.64 ± 0.0493 g/mg, oil absorption capacity 1.70 ± 0.0252 g/g, and water absorption capacity 1.85 ± 0.030 g/g. The results demonstrated that the flour possesses good nutritional profile and functional characteristics suitable for food product development. Comparisons with literature highlighted variations due to processing techniques. Recommendations for future work include sensory evaluation and mineral analysis to further explore applications.

Keywords

Watermelon seedsProximate compositionFunctional propertiesOven dryingFlour

References

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