Comparison of physical, antioxidant dietary properties and dietary fiber profiles of two Nigerian grown papaya species (carica papaya l.) During maturation:- Daniel, Sylvia U

ABSTRACT

 The study compared physical characteristics, antioxidant properties activity and dietary fibre content of Nigeria-grown papaya (sunrise solo and red royale) during maturation. The two species were identified and the fruits’ development monitored on their stands in the homestead farms ofthe farmer. Fruits harvested at one, two- and three-months maturation were processed into powder and analyzed for the biochemical parameters. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in various constituents of the two varieties across the maturation period. The fibre profile varied significantly. The soluble fibre was (1.48 mg/lOOg) in red royale specie and (1.55 mg/lOOg) in sunrise solo specie, insoluble fibre was (2.28 mg/lOOg) in red royale specie and (2.47 mg/lOOg) in Sunrise solo specie, total dietary fibre was (3.76 mg/lOOg) Red royale and (4.03 mg/lOOg) in sunrise solo specie. Phytochemical fibre profile polyphenol was (80.52%) in red royale specie and (80.46%) sunrise solo specie. Condensed tannin was (95.03) in red royale specie and (84.64) in sunrise solo specie. ORAC was (100.47 mg/lOOg) in red royale specie and (110.31 mg/lOOg) in sunrise solo specie. Royal shows marginally higher polyphenol content very early in development, but Sunrise Solo surpasses it at mid and full ripeness, indicating better antioxidant retention during maturation for Sunrise Solo. Both cultivars offer nutritional benefits, but cultivar selection should align with intended use—fresh consumption, processing, or nutritional quality emphasis.