39B-20

S. K. SEFA-DEDEH, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Ghana, Box LG 134, Legon, Accra, Ghana and F. Annih-Bonsu.

JUSTIFICATION Cashew yields a nut and an apple (false fruit) both of which have economic and nutritional value. To optimize the quality in both nut and apple there is the need to understand changes associated with the growth and maturation of the nut and false apple.

OBJECTIVE To determine the changes in quality indices of cashew nut and false apple during growth and maturation.

METHOD Local cashew trees were randomly selected after flowering. Samples were collected at weekly intervals from fruit set till maturity (a period of 8 weeks). Changes in the physical characteristics weight (apples, whole nut, kernels), length (apples, nuts), thickness (whole nuts) and diameter (apples) were monitored. Changes in moisture, total solids, sugars, protein, fat and vitamin C were monitored.

RESULTS All the physical indices of the nuts increased rapidly and attained maximum values at 4 weeks after which there was a general decrease. Unlike the nuts the apples increased in weight (0.34 - 41.99 g) and diameter (0.48 - 4.29 cm) to attain maximum values at maturity. Age was found to be more correlated with the physical indices of the apple as compared to those of the nuts.

Increases in the total solids (29.57 - 74.53%), total sugars (0.65 - 5.04%), minerals (e.g. phosphorus 20.81 - 491.35 mg/100g), protein (1.2 - 20.93 g/100g) and fat (2.12 - 39.04 g/100g) contents were recorded for the nuts from fruit set to maturity, whilst there was a decrease in the moisture content (70.43 - 25.47%). There were also increases in moisture (69.85 - 84.05%), total sugars (0.92 - 10.85%) and vitamin C (72.51 - 225.49 mg/100g) contents of the apple. A consistent decrease in mineral (e.g. K: 243.04 - 128.21 mg/100g ) and total solids (30.15 - 15.95%) contents were observed in the apples.

SIGNIFICANCE The nut and apple of cashew do not experience the same changes in physical and chemical indices with maturation. The diameter and moisture content of cashew apples were found to be good indicators of maturity.