Physical properties of Soursop (Annona muricata) Seeds.

Abstract

Soursop is a peculiar fruit with a green bark covered with soft spines, a white or creamy pulp interspaced with seeds. In Nigeria it is called ‘shawa shawa’ or ‘shawa shop’. A good knowledge of the physical properties of these seeds will help in design of processing and storage equipments for effective use of the seeds. Some physical properties of Soursop seeds were studied. The result shows that the average number of seeds per fruit was 81 and at 4.20 % moisture content (wb), the average weight of the seed, surface area, sphericity, bulk density, true density and porosity were 0.54gms-2, (1.48×0.88×0.52) mm, 22.13cm2, 0.59, 0.05g/ml, 0.54g/ml and 91% respectively. The angle of repose for wooden, steel and glass surfaces were 16.80, 18.30 and 13.30 respectively. They are ovate shaped, with a black-brown colour when freshly removed, but gradually turns brown with time, until it attains a light brown colour.