Some physical and chemical properties of African pear (
Dacryodes Edulis
) samples from nine
different trees were analysed in order to determine the level of differences that exist between trees. The length of the
individual fruits ranged from 39.86 mm to 80.76 mm while the weight ranged from 15.97 g to 39.36 g. Significant
differences (p ≥ 0.05) were observed between the samples for all the parameters measured. Fruit density showed a
negative correlation (r = -0.86) with the pulp/seed ratio. Significant differences were also observed in the proximate
composition of the African pear pulp. The major components of the pulp were moisture (36.5% to 53.82%), oil
(18.81% to 38.36%) and protein (11.09% to 19.19%). The pulp acidity ranged from 0.92% to 1.69% expressed as
citric acid.
