Nutritional and Phytochemical Characterization of Terminalia catappa Hulls: An Underutilized Resource for Sustainable Food Systems and Ecosystem Resilience

Abstract The tropical almond tree (Terminalia catappa) is a versatile perennial plant renowned for its resilience to saline and sandy soils and untapped nutritional potential. Despite the kernel's established health benefits, the fruit's hull remains under-researched. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and phytochemical composition of T. catappa hulls collected from three locations in Lagos State, Nigeria. Standard procedures were used to determine the proximate composition (moisture, protein, lipid, ash, crude fibre, and carbohydrate), mineral contents and the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical properties of the collected hull samples. Statistical significance was established using ANOVA (p < 0.05). This study revealed significant moisture (71.88 ± 0.07%), carbohydrate (24.32 ± 02.05%), and crude fibre (2.80 ± 0.05%) contents in Terminalia catappa hulls, along with the presence of phenolic compounds exhibiting antioxidant potential. Notable phytochemicals identified included flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids, supporting their functional food potential. Additionally, the hulls contained a high concentration of vitamin C that surpasses many common fruits and exceeds the daily recommended dietary allowances for adults (60 mg), offering potential antioxidant benefits. The study highlights the nutritional and bioactive richness of T. catappa hulls, advocating for their inclusion in food systems to enhance dietary diversity and sustainability. Promoting the utilisation of T. catappa could aid in addressing food insecurity and fostering agricultural biodiversity in resource-constrained regions while contributing to ecosystem stability. Keywords: Hull, kernel, nutrition, phytochemicals, Terminalia catappa.