ESTIMATION OF CRUDE FIBRE CONTENT IN SPICES AND FRUITS

Crude fiber consists largely of cellulose (60-80%) and lignin (4-6%) plus some mineral matter. These Fibers are beneficial in treating or preventing constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, coronary heart diseases, and some type of cancer. A rapid method was developed for the quantitative estimation of crude fiber present in different natural food stuff by using Hennerberg, Stohmann and Rauterberg method. The following fruits Citrus Sinensis, Vitis Vinifera, Beta Vulgaris, Ziziphus Jujube, Musa Balbisiana and Malus Domestica show the ascending order of crude fiber percentage. The following spices Elettaria Cardamomum,Foeniculum Vulgare,Illicium Verum, Syzgium Aromaticum, Cuminum Cyminum and Cinnamomum Verum shows descending order. Key words: Crude fiber, Fruits, Spices, Hennerberg, Stohmann and Rauterberg method