Effect of geographic origin in mineral composition of zeen oak acorns (Quercus canariensis Willd)

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of geographic origin in mineral compositions on the Q. canariensis acorns. The results showed that there were significant (p < 0.5) differences between populations for macronutrients Sodium (Na), Calcium (Ca), Potassium (K)) except for Phosphorus (P) and for all studied micronutrients: Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn). Potassuim contents of acorn ranged from 5,638 to 7,667 mg/g MS with highest being for Nefza acorn and lowest for Bni Mtir ones. It is the highest macronutrients for all population. However Iron was the most abandon micronutrient, varied widely from 0,491 mg/g MS (Bni Mtir) to 1,230 mg/g MS (Nefza). No significant differences were recorded for Heavy metal. The concentrations of Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni) and Cobalt (Co) in acorns flour are null. On the other hand Cadmium (Cd) and Copper (Cu) were found but with concentrations which were much lower than that the acceptable limits for herbs and spices by WHO.