The nutritional and phytochemical composition of Moldavian pumpkin

Abstract

This paper presents the results of analyzing of chemical composition and some bioactive components such as phenols, carotenoids, carbohydrates and minerals in one of a product of plant origin, namely, in pumpkin. High amount of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals in pumpkin makes it an important source of bioactive ingredients. Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, and lycopene. In accordance with current research, the edible part of pumpkin grown industrially in Republic of Moldova presented the following nutritional potential: total phenols – 260,3 mg GAE/100 g, total carotenoids – 8,38 mg/100 g, carbohydrates – 10,5%, minerals as iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, the most abundant mineral was potassium – 210 mg/100 g. The acidity was of 0,23 %, expressed as malic acid, and pH value of 5,2. The knowledge and effective use of this valuable agrofood product can be useful in the development of different healthy diets and in the treatment of pathologies with nutritional impact.