Morphological Variability and Nutritional Potential of Zizyphus lotus (L.) Lam: Assessment of Primary Metabolites and Mineral Composition Highlights Significant Valorization Prospects

In order to contribute to a better understanding of Zizyphus lotus nutritional composition in Morocco and to valorize this threatened species, morphological and chemical characterization of three fruit parts (pulp, seed, and kernel) of Zizyphus lotus from three different regions in Morocco was investigated. These ecotypes come from the Ain Chifa, Fez, and Guercif regions. Morphological characterization allowed the characterization of three populations of Zizyphus lotus fruit. Those from Fez and Ain Chifa have the largest fruit sizes. Thus, the largest pulp/fruit ratio is recorded in the populations of Ain Chifa and Guercif. Fruit color, which is the lightest, is important in the Ain Chifa population compared to the fruits of the two others. The chemical composition of the three fruit parts indicates that the pulp is richer in sugars, proteins, vitamin C, and minerals than the other two fruit parts. A comparison of the three ecotypes studied demonstrates that the chemical composition of the Zizyphus lotus fruit is influenced by climatic and geographical characteristics. We recorded that the population of Ain Chifa accumulates higher concentrations of proteins and vitamin C than those of Guercif and Fez. However, the Guercif population has high levels of total soluble sugars and minerals. The levels of soluble sugars, total soluble proteins, vitamin C, and minerals are not negligible, both in parts and populations, hence the need to preserve Zizyphus lotus, whose fruits can be exploited for the development of various foods and play an important role in human nutrition.