Nutritional value and economic potential of underutilised Mangifera species in Bungai Area, Sarawak, Malaysia

As part of an effort to explore the economic potentials of mangoes in Bungai, Sarawak, two underutilised species of Mangifera, namely M. caesia (‘Belunu’ and ‘Binjai’) and M. odorata (‘Kuini’), and four commercial cultivars of M. indica (‘Mangga Kelapa’, ‘Mangga Pisang’, ‘Mangga Epal’ and ‘Mangga Mahathir’) were collected and their chemical properties were analysed. Results on fruit quality showed significant differences between the Mangifera fruits tested in respect of Brix reading, TSS, acidity level and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) content. ‘Kuini’ and ‘Binjai’ had superior sweetness compared to the commercial cultivars at 16.10±0.36 and 16.00±0.17%, respectively. ‘Binjai’ (11.75±0.13%) and ‘Kuini’ (11.67±0.94%) also topped the list by having significantly richer fibre content, while ‘Belunu’ (5.13±0.35%) and ‘Binjai’ (5.69±0.09%) had significantly higher protein content. The better nutritional values of ‘Belunu’ (Vitamin C and protein), ‘Binjai’ (protein and fibre) and ‘Kuini’ (fibre) can be capitalised upon during processing and marketing of these fruits. The main economic return of these species was from sales of fresh fruit, albeit not a substantial amount, depending on fruit season and the volatile market prices. Products such as pickles, juice, jams or dried mango can be made from these underutilised fruits and some have already been developed on a small-scale by the community in Bungai. These products are relatively easy to make from extra fruit during peak harvest season. This undertaking may not only stabilise prices of fresh fruits in the local market but also minimise their wastage. Furthermore, the longer shelf life of these processed mangoes would enable them to be sold out of season and to be marketed further afield, thus generating more income for the community. Many of these fruits undoubtedly possess sensory, nutritional and other desirable qualities which have yet to be exploited. The results from the present study provide a basic rationale for economic activities to be undertaken with existing underutilised mangoes in the area.