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The research was undertaken to determine the presence of some phytochemicals and minerals in five varieties of fresh date in wet season of Nigeria in June 2014 during the harvest period. The fresh date fruits varieties were selected from gene pool four (4) in the experimental field of Nigerian Institute for Oil palm Research (NIFOR) date palm substation, Dutse, Jigawa State. Results showed that tannins and reducing sugar were present in all the varieties analysed, while flavonoids and steroids were absent. However, saponins, anthraquinones, volatile oils and cardiac glycosides were present in some varieties. A high amount of calcium (Ca2+) and phosphorus (P) were observed among the varieties while no iron (Fe2+) was present. Zinc, manganese and nitrogen were observed generally in all the varieties. The paper is useful as it reveals active constituents in the fresh date fruit which can be very significant in drug development and for food manufactures.

Keywords: Date fruit, wet season, fresh, varieties, phytochemicals, minerals, Nigeria.

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Citation: Yahaya SA, Omokhudu CA, Abdulahi MA, Sanusi MK (2015). Phytochemical screening and mineral evaluation of fresh date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in wet season of Nigeria. J. Agric. Crop Res. 3(3): 47-52.