Evaluation of Physico-chemical and Biochemical Parameters of Sugarcane Molasses and Cashew Apple Juice from Six Locations in Côte d'Ivoire

Introduction: Côte d'Ivoire has an underutilized agricultural potential, notably the cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale L.) and sugarcane molasses. These by-products, though abundant, remain undervalued and represent a significant opportunity for promoting a circular economy. Problems: Despite their potential, cashew apple juice (CAJ) and sugarcane molasses (SCM) are underutilized due to a lack of data on their physico-chemical and biochemical properties, which hinders their industrial exploitation. Aims: This study aims to characterize the physico-chemical and biochemical properties of CAJ and SCM collected from various localities in Côte d'Ivoire, with the goal of evaluating their valorization potential and proposing innovative solutions to reduce agricultural losses. Methods: Cashew apples were harvested from six localities (Yamoussoukro, Dimbokro, Bouake, Mankono, Vavoua, and Korhogo), and molasses was supplied by the SIFCA group. Seven samples were analyzed: six for CAJ and one for SCM. Physico-chemical and biochemical parameters were analyzed using recognized standard methods. Results: The analysis demonstrates that cashew apple juice (CAJ) and molasses possess excellent overall quality. CAJ has an acidic pH ranging from 4.05 ± 0.02 to 5.00 ± 0.02 and a high vitamin C concentration (181.61 ± 0.37 to 188.45 ± 0.64 mg/100 ml), compared to the lower vitamin C content in molasses (0.35 ± 0.57 mg/100 ml). CAJ contains significant glucose (48.82 ± 0.05 to 55.84 ± 0.01 g/l) and fructose (42.79 ± 0.06 to 48.98 ± 0.01 g/l) levels, whereas molasses has lower amounts of glucose (26.94 ± 0.02 g/l) and fructose (17.67 ± 0.06 g/l). Total sugars are higher in CAJ (104.76 ± 0.02 to 111.31 ± 0.02 g/l) compared to molasses (59.13 ± 0.03 g/l). Both agro-resources are rich in essential minerals (Ca, Mg, Fe, Na, K, P), with concentrations ranging from 23.77 ± 0.02 to 1203.01 ± 0.03 mg/l for CAJ and from 4.59 ± 0.04 to 5431.35 ± 0.02 mg/l for molasses. Novelty: This study represents a crucial initial step towards the valorization of Ivorian agricultural by-products. It highlights their nutritional richness and viability as key ingredients in innovative agro-industrial product formulations. Conclusion: These findings highlight their significant potential for valorization.