Indigenous fruits play important roles in food security in rural and urban areas of many African countries. Of several indigenous grown in African countries, three fruits (Azanza garckeana, Grewia flava and Ximenia caffra) were selected for the study. The edible portions were analyzed for vitamin C, titratable acidity, dry matter, ash, crude protein, acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and minerals such as Ca, K, Mg, Na, and P content. The results obtained were compared to ascertain if there were statistical differences in the parameters measured. The results obtained for A. garckeana (g/100 g) were ADF 15.4, ADL 17.7, NDF 20.5, and acidity 1.8 and pH 5.3. The other parameters (mg/100 g) were vitamin C, 20.0;Ca, 177; K, 1294; Mg, 38; P, 240 and Na, 23.3. For G. flava (g/100 g), ADF was 9.0, ADL 9.4, NDF 11.8, while acidity 1.0 and pH 4.4. Vitamin C content in G. flava (mg/100 g) was 27.4 and minerals (mg/100 g) Ca 247, K 705, Mg 46.7, Na 25.1 and P 250. For X. caffra (g/100 g), ADF was 5.9, ADL 6.0, NDF 5.9, while acidity 19.9 and pH 2.4. X. caffra (mg/100 g) had vitamin C 33.3 and minerals (mg/100 g) Ca 117, K 1251, Mg 18.7, Na 18.7 and P 160. The results indicate that A. garckeana is the best source of fibre and K. G. flava had the highest amount of Ca, Na, Mg and P, and X. caffra had the highest vitamin C. There were significant differences in the ADF, NDF, ADL, acidity, pH, vitamin C, and Ca contents among the three fruits. The study revealed that the fibre, vitamin C and mineral contents of these fruits were compared favourably to established exotic fruits. These fruits may contribute towards food security and diversification, and their domestication, commercialization and consumption should be encouraged.

Keywords: Indigenous fruits, nutrients, Botswana.