EVALUATION OF TRAPA NATANS L. (WATER CALTROP) HARVESTED FROM LAKE TISZA, HUNGARY.

Trapa natans L. (TN) is an aquatic weed with high-yield of biomass. Our aim was to study the food potential of TN fruit including the physical attributes, the chemical composition and the suitability for minimal food processing operations. The TN plants with fruits were harvested from the Sarud Basin of Lake Tisza, Hungary. We analyzed the fruits' macro-composition and inorganic elements content. The fruits were selected into groups by size, and by weight. The fruit hardness was examined after a 24-hour, 1% cellulase treatment. The kernel's dry content was obtained by pressing, subsequent centrifugation and by conventional drying. The dry kernel had a 12% protein, 2.5% ash, and 68% carbohydrate content. The raw kernel was high in K, Mg, and Cu, and was low in Sodium, and did not contain As, Hg, Pb, or Cd, either. The dry content of the raw juice was 24.4%, and of the pomace was 36.9%. After centrifugation, the clear juice had a considerable amount of soluble solid content (Brix 6 %). We concluded that the TN fruit harvested from Lake Tisza is a valuable and safe material for the development of food specialties and is a special ingredient of local dishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]