PROXIMATE AND MINERAL ANALYSIS OF ORANGE FRUITS CULTIVATED IN OZORO TOWN

This research work is focused on the proximate and mineral analysis of orange fruit cultivated in Ozoro town. The oranges used in this study were all bought from venders in Ozoro and were thoroughly washed with tap water to ensure that all dirt and sand particles are removed. After the oranges have been washed, they were peeled using clean kitchen knife and dried using oven at 60OC for six (6) hours. After the drying, the dried samples were pulverized using grinding machine and sieved with a mesh of size 0.5mm. The pulverized samples were kept in a clean air tight container at room temperature and was protected from sunlight until it was required for the analysis. From the analysis, the results revealed that oranges fruits cultivated in Ozoro have proximate content as follows: Moisture content 11.3%, Ash content 4.6%, Protein content 1.2%, Fat content 8.2%, Fiber content 16.4%, Carbohydrate content 57.9% respectively. While the results for their mineral analysis were: Sodium (1.15mg/g), Iron (0.04mg/g), Calcium (0.06mg/g) and Potassium (1.09mg/g) respectively. Based on the results obtained, it was recommended that orange fruits should be taken by humans as it proved to be so nutritious.