Proximate and Mineral Analysis of Phoenix Dactylifera (Dates) Collected from Iyana Iba and Agbara, South West Nigeria

Abstract Date fruits (Phoenix Dactylifera) are increasingly gaining recognition in Nigeria as both staple and medicinal fruits due to their high nutritional and therapeutic value. This study assessed the proximate and mineral composition of dried dates obtained from two major local markets (Agbara and Iyana-iba) in Lagos State, Southwest of Nigeria, to provide scientific evidence of their dietary relevance and potentials in food and health industries. Carbohydrates were the dominant nutrient, with Iyana-iba dates (78.44%) slightly surpassing Agbara dates (77.49%). Moisture content was similar (14.05% and 14.14%), supporting good shelf stability. Agbara dates had higher protein (4.24%) and lipid (2.66%) levels, while Iyana-iba dates showed slightly higher crude fiber (0.90%) than Agbara (0.84%). Ash content was also comparable, with Agbara (0.76%) slightly exceeding Iyana-iba (0.73%). Mineral analysis revealed potassium as the most abundant element, highest in Agbara (379.94 ppm) compared to Iyana-iba (299.40 ppm). Magnesium (57.43 ppm) and calcium (12.18 ppm) were also higher in Agbara, while Iyana-iba had greater sodium (3.57 ppm), iron (4.69 ppm), and zinc (3.35 ppm). Collectively, the findings confirm that dried dates are nutrient-dense. This research contributes to the existing knowledge on indigenous food sources and supports efforts to promote food security and nutrition through locally available agricultural products.