Almond (Prunus dulcis L.) protein quality.
Three marketing varieties of almonds; Carmel, Mission, and Nonpareil; were analyzed for proximate composition and protein nutritive quality. Moisture, lipids, protein, ash, sugars, and tannins ranges were 3.05-4.33%, 43.37-47.50%, 20.68-23.30%, 3.74-4.56%, 5.35-7.45%, and 0.12-0.18%, respectively. No detectable hemagglutinating and trypsin inhibitory activities were present in Carmel, Mission, and Nonpareil almonds. Amino acid analyses indicated the sulfur amino acids (methionine + cysteine), lysine, and threonine to be the first, second, and third limiting amino acids in almonds when compared to the recommended amino acid pattern for children 2-5-year old. However, compared to the recommended amino acid pattern for adults, sulfur amino acids were the only limiting amino acids in almonds tested. True Protein Digestibility (% TPD) values for Carmel, Mission, and Nonpareil were 88.55 +/- 1.26, 92.25 +/- 1.05, and 82.62 +/- 1.47, respectively. Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Scoring (PDCAAS) values suggested almond proteins to be of poor nutritional quality.
Ahrens
Susan
S
Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, College of Human Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, 32306-1493, USA.
Venkatachalam
Mahesh
M
Mistry
Anahita M
AM
Lapsley
Karen
K
Sathe
Shridhar K
SK
D000596:Amino Acids / Q000032:analysis; D000601:Amino Acids, Essential / Q000032:analysis*; D004063:Digestion; D005223:Fats / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009753:Nutritive Value; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000592:standards*; D027861:Prunus / Q000737:chemistry*; D013634:Tannins / Q000032:analysis
D000596:Amino Acids; D000601:Amino Acids, Essential; D005223:Fats; D010940:Plant Proteins; D013634:Tannins