International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition

Authors
Sajid Hussain, Ahmad Aslam, Murtaza Ali, Nisar Hussain

Abstract
Elaeagnus angustifolia commonly known as Russian olive belongs to the family Elaeagnaceae and is a wild plant grows in Himalayan regions of Pakistan, China and India. Its fruit are rich source of soluble sugars, essential oils, vitamins and minerals. Keeping in view these advantageous characteristics of Elaeagnus angustifolia a study was conducted to evaluate this for physicochemical and nutritional characteristics. Elaeagnus angustifolia which is obtained from the region of Gilgit Baltistan was investigated in terms of physicochemical and nutritional characteristics. For physical characteristics fruit and seed was evaluated for parameters like weight, length and diameter. For chemical analysis fruit was analyzed for parameters like total soluble solid (TSS), total sugars, acidity, pH, ash determination, moisture content, vitamin C, and for mineral contents calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Elaeagnus angustifolia has great potential as a raw material for food industries and for economic activities to the disadvantageous communities of the mountainous regions of Pakistan.