Abstract
Chemical composition of the kernels and seedcoats of 8 cucurbit species, viz watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, pumpkin, spongegourd, bottlegourd, bittergourd and snakegourd have been studied. The proportion of kernels in these seeds ranged from 48.0 to 75.5%. Oil content in kernels varied from 41.0 to 56.5%, protein 28.07 to 34.34%, crude fibre 1.25 to 2.60% and mineral matter 3.01 to 5.01%. Kernels were quite rich in calcium, iron and phosphorus. The cucurbit species compared well with some of the conventional kernels such as cashewnut and almond in their chemical make-up. Although quite low in fat and protein, the seedcoats of these cucurbit species were quite rich in crude fibre and mineral matter and could be of use as animal feed.
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Madaan, T.R., Lal, B.M. Some studies on the chemical composition of cucurbit kernels and their seedcoats. Plant Food Hum Nitr 34, 81–86 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01094835
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01094835