Evaluation of Trapa Natans L. (Water Caltrop) Harvested From Lake Tisza, Hungary

Abstract

Trapa natans L. (TN) is an aquatic weed with high-yield biomass from its fruit. We aimed to study the nutritional potential and the safety of Trapa natans L. fruit kernel and processing into flour and juice. Floating TN plants with fruits were harvested from the Sarud Basin of Lake Tisza, Hungary. We analyzed the fruits’ macro-composition and inorganic elements content, including heavy metals. The fruits were selected into groups by weight and hardness. We determined the hardness of the fruits after a 24-hour, 1% cellulase treatment. The applied wet processing mechanical techniques: pressing and centrifugation.  We concluded that the TN kernel is a good source of bioactive substances (12% protein, 2,5% ash, 68% carbohydrates), is high in K, Mg, Cu, it is low in Sodium, and does not contain As, Hg, Pb, or Cd, either. After the pressing and centrifugation, the clear juice contained a considerable amount of sugar (Brix 6 %). The TN fruit harvested from Lake Tisza (Hungary) is a valuable material for development food specialties and is a special ingredient of local dishes.