Nutritional Profile of an Underutilized Indian Fruit: Rayan [Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Dubard]

Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Dubard is an Indian underutilized fruit and locally known as ‘Rayan’ or ‘Khirni’. The different parts of this plant are known for their nutritional and medicinal properties among the tribal population of western and central India. The fruit and seed of Rayan were analysed for their proximate composition (moisture, ash, fat, protein and carbohydrate) and mineral content viz., calcium, iron, zinc, copper and selenium. The seed oil was analysed for the fatty acid composition. The fruit had high moisture content whereas the seed had high ash, fat, protein and carbohydrates. Mineral analyses indicated good amount of iron in fruit and calcium in seed. Rayan seed oil showed high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids (˜54%), especially oleic acid, and a low percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (≍ 11%). The present study revealed the nutritional importance of the whole fruit as a good source of minerals.