CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF OPUNTIA SPP. FRUITS IN TUNISIA

The chemical composition (moisture, Brix, proteins, acidity, total polyphenol, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni and Cr, etc.) were determined in cactus fruits extracts belonging to many Opuntia species sampled from a Tunisian collection. Analyzed species exhibited clear differences in their fruit contents. Fruit extract derived from Opuntia ficus-indica is especially interesting because of its high content of total sugars, K and α-Tocopherol. The physicochemical characterization of prickly pears clearly evidenced its high nutritional potential.