LAUSR

Date fruits are an imperative crop, especially cultivated in the hot-arid regions of the world having extraordinary nutritional and therapeutic value. In this study, we performed nutritional profi ling and mineral analysis of different varieties of date fruits cultivated in north-western region of Saudi Arabia. Among the sample tested, we found that moisture contents was highest in Helwah Hail (23.83 ± 0.49%) and Berhi (23.20 ± 0.10%). Moreover, ash and protein content was found to be more in Ajwah (2.50 ± 0.53%) and Hamra (4.34 ± 0.06%) respectively. Similarly, total fi bre percentage of the tested sample varied from 4.35 ± 0.05% to 5.13 ± 0.12% and monosaccharaides was found highest in Helwah Hail and Deglet Shewaish. However, mineral analysis showed that Ajwah date fruits, Asilah, Nabtat Saif and Barni had high amount of calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium respectively. The present fi nding helps in understanding the nutritional status and signifi cance of different date varieties cultivated in north-western region of Saudi Arabia (Hail Region). However, lesser known varieties can be improved through better horticulture practices as a valuable product. Further, this study reveals that, the consumption of these date fruits would have several nutritional health effects.