Okia, C.A.Agea, J.G.Kwetegyeka, J.Okiror, P.Kimondo, J.Teklehaimanot, Z.Obua, J.2013-12-172013-12-172013Okia, C.A., Agea, J.G., Kwetegyeka, J., Okiror, P., Kimondo, J., Teklehaimanot, Z., et al. (2013). Nutritional value of commonly consumed desert date tree products. African Crop Science Journal, 21(S3), 657-667.1021-9730http://hdl.handle.net/10625/52287Includes abstract in FrenchBalanites products offer great opportunity to reduce malnutrition, contribute to food security and reduce poverty among dryland communities. The desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca) is a neglected crop in the drought and famine-prone areas of Uganda. This study determines the nutritional composition of B. aegyptiaca edible parts in Uganda so as to promote their wider utilization. Results reveal that Balanites leaves, flowers and fruit pulp are good sources of proteins, Fe, K, Mn, Zn and Cu thus contributing substantial amounts of macro and micronutrients to human diet. However, leaves and flowers were nutritionally superior to fruit pulp.application/pdfenBALANITES AEGYPTIACACRUDE FATCRUDE PROTEINUGANDADATE PALMSDATESNUTRITIONDROUGHT RESISTANCENUTRIENTSARID ZONEPOVERTY ALLEVIATIONETHNOBOTANYINDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGEPLANT VARIETIESJournal Article (peer-reviewed)