Physicochemical Characteristics and Nutritional Compositions of Some Date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Fruit Cultivars

A comparative study was carried out for eight mature date fruit cultivars to assess physicochemical and nutritional values. Results showed that fruit and flesh weights and seed sizes indicated wide diversity among studied cultivars. The highest pH, acidity, and ash levels were obtained from Tazizaout and Oukasaba cultivars; protein contents varied from 0.47 (Tazizaout) to 0.31 g/100g DM (Delat), while free amino acids concentrations were found between 1.47 (Oukasaba) and 0.79 g/100g DM (Tazarzeit). Total carbohydrates were ranged from 96.28 to 84.51 g/100g DM. The date is low in fat, the highest concentration was 0.11 g/100g DM. Principal Component Analysis indicated that Ourous and Delat cultivars have specific characteristics and can be distinguished from the other cultivars.