Chemical composition of Castanea sativa Mill. fruits

Abstract

Nowadays, especially important is the introduction of new plants into cultivation in connection with global climate change. Acclimatization of new fruit plants in Ukraine contributes to an increase in the biodiversity of flora. Castanea sativa Mill. (sweet chestnut) fruits belong to underutilized fruit plants of the forest-steppe of Ukraine, as a promising and economically profitable crop. The aim of the study, which focused on the nutritional value and composition of C. sativa fruits of Ukrainian origin, was to strengthen the knowledge about the contents of essential nutrients, fatty and amino acids profiles, and the content of selected elements. Chestnut fruits are distinguished by low lipids content (1.9%), a substantial share of proteins (14.9%) and fructose (19.3 g.kg^-1), and high β-carotene content (143.1 mg.kg^-1). The lipid fraction of chestnut fruits is strongly dominated by SFAs, namely palmitic acid (C16:0) 37.93 g.100 g^-1 of oil, followed by the MUFA oleic acid (C18:1 9c) 9.07 g.100 g^-1 of oil, and PUFA α-linolenic (C18:3 9c12c15c) 9.01 g.100 g^-1 of oil. From 18 determined amino acids (128.1 g.kg^-1 of DW), glutamic acid was found to be the major component (17.2 g.kg^-1). Surprisingly essential amino acids/total amino acids ratio amounted to 44%, which according to FAO WHO may be regarded as high-quality protein plant food. Calcium and phosphorus were the most abundant elements (8,213 and 8,155 mg.kg^-1 of DW respectively), simultaneously with a low Na : K ratio (low amount of Na 9 mg.kg^-1). Summing up, presented composition and literature data regarding nutrients proved that C. sativa fruits are valuable ingredients in a healthy diet.