摘要：This study evaluates four Cucurbit species in Iree, Osun state, Nigeria. The species used were Cucumeropsis manni (Naudin) , Cucumis sativus, Leganaria siceraria and Cucumeropsis edulis (Hook) . Proximate and mineral analyses were carried out on the shelled Cucurbit species. Protein, fat, ash, crude fibre, moisture and carbohydrate content ranged from 33.80-39.96%, 40.26-45.21%, 3.35-4.89%, 1.66-2.16%, 4.78-5.21 and 7.08-14.15% respectively. There were significant difference (p < 0.05) in the values obtained in protein, fat, ash moisture content and carbohydrate. But there was no significant difference (p < 0.05) in crude fibre values for Cucumeropsis edulis and Cucumis sativus. Cucumis sativus had higher calcium content (2.03%) while Cucumeropsis manni had higher values in Mg (8.87%), Na (162.76 ppm), Mn (107.72 ppm) and Fe (39.71 ppm) contents. Leganaria siceraria also had higher values in K (5.43%), Cu (5.09 ppm) and Zn (19.75 ppm). Acid value ranged from 3.13-4.22 mgKOH/g, free fatty acid ranged from 3.4-3.9%. Saponification and peroxide values of 188-193 mg KOH/g and 9.7-11.6 Meq/kg were obtained for the melon seeds oils. Also, iodine values for the melon seeds ranged from 95.5-98.2 Wijs. All the seeds serve as good sources of protein, fat and minerals.
