Proximate Composition and Mineral Profile of Selected Wild Edible Seeds Harvested in Taraba State, North East Nigeria

Wild edible seeds represent an underutilised dietary resource in the semi-arid and Guinea savanna zones of North East Nigeria. During periods of food shortage and seasonal lean spells, these seeds provide critical nutrition for rural households. This study determined the proximate composition and mineral profile of four wild edible seeds commonly harvested in Taraba State: Vitex doniana (black plum seed), Detarium microcarpum (sweet detar seed), Prosopis africana (Kirni seed), and Balanites aegyptiaca (desert date seed). Seeds were collected during peak harvest season from markets in Wukari, Karim-Lamido, and Zing Local Government Areas. Each seed type was sun-dried, milled, and subjected to proximate analysis and mineral determination using atomic absorption spectrophotometry following standard procedures. Results indicated that Prosopis africana seed contained the highest crude protein (28.6 percent, dry weight basis), while Balanites aegyptiaca seed had the highest crude fat content (34.2 percent). Iron content was highest in Detarium microcarpum (18.4 mg per 100g), a significant finding given prevalent iron deficiency anaemia in the region. All seeds showed low moisture content, consistent with natural durability and storability. The study documents nutritional benchmarks for these underutilised seeds and recommends their targeted inclusion in nutrition-sensitive food programming in Taraba State. Keywords: wild seeds, proximate composition, minerals, food security, Taraba.