A Comparative Study of Physico-Chemical Properties and Essential Minerals of Carrot and Watermelon

The physico-chemical properties and essential minerals of two fruits (Carrot and watermelon) sold in central market Kaduna, Nigeria were analyzed in this study. The study was carried out using standard methods of analysis of pH, ash content, temperature, protein, moisture content, total soluble solid, total dissolved solid, titratable acidity, specific gravity, antioxidants (polyphenols and flavonoids), vitamins, potassium and magnesium. Results obtained showed that pH is in acidic medium, for watermelon 4.69 and carrots 5.43, ash content (carrots 0.01% and watermelon 0.74%), temperature 26oC to 27oC, moisture content (90% carrots and 94% watermelon), total soluble solid (0.01% for carrots and 0.74% for watermelon), total dissolved solid (2.0% carrots and watermelon 8.0%), protein ( 58.5% for carrots and 175.5% for watermelon), titratable acidity (0.028% for carrots and 0.070% for watermelon), specific gravity (carrots 0.6882 and 1.0390 watermelon) respectively and results obtained for mineral, vitamins and antioxidants (phytochemicals)showed that potassium 5.84% for carrots and 7.18% for watermelon), magnesium (4.77% for carrots and 6.83% for watermelon), vitamin A (10.2% for carrots and 7.8% for watermelon), vitamin C (nil for carrots and 4.09% for watermelon), polyphenols (carrots 39.8% and watermelon 40.8%), flavonoids (carrots 3.1% and watermelon 4.02%) respectively. The commercial fruit samples are within the regulatory specification and are therefore recommended for consumption.