General

Chemical Characterisation of Pulp, Seed Powder & Ready-to-drink Juice Produced from Syzygium Cumini Fruit

Published

6 years ago

January 24, 2020

Mark Wamai

Students attend a practical session in the Food Technology and Business Incubation Centre (FTBIC), College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. Date taken: 12th August 2010

Despite the nutritional potential of Syzygium cumini, commonly known as black plum,there has been limited utilisation of the fruits (pulp and seeds) and yet it has capacity to significantly contribute to food and nutrition security. The purpose of this study was to explore the possibility of utilizing S. cumini fruits in the production of a nutritious and acceptable juice. Ripe S. cumini fruits were randomly sampled from Nakasero Market, Kampla. The fruits were bulked and processed to obtain pulp and seeds. The seeds were separated from pulp, dried and milled into powder while the pulp was processed into juice. The seed powder was used in the formulation of the ready-to-drink juice at 0, 1.25 and 5%. The sensory evaluation was carried out to ascertain the acceptability of juice in which the seeds of S. cumini have been added. The pulp contained total phenolic concentrations in the order of 27.7±2.06 mg 100 g-1; while dried seed powderand juice contained 57.2±4 and 10.6±1.25 mg ml-1, respectively. The levels of flavonoidswere less in juice (5.7±1.0 mg 100 -1 g) compared to pulp (36.00±5.95) and seeds (457.2±31.44 mg 100 -1 g). The total antioxidant activity (TAA) in terms of 1, 1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DHHP) percentage inhibition for pulp, seed powder and ready-to-drink juice were 85.75±0.54, 93.94±0.43 and 25.30±6.07%, respectively. Sensory acceptance reduced with increased levels of dried seed powder incorporated into the juice. On the other hand, the amounts of antioxidants increased in the different juice samples with increase in amounts of dried seed powder.

Source: Makerere University Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES)

General

For Youth by Youth – Call for Second Cohort Applications

Published

1 week ago

February 10, 2026

Mak Editor

For Youth by Youth - Call for Second Cohort Applications. Application Deadline: 20 Feb, 2026.

For Youth, By Youth is a global, youth-led movement committed to fostering conscious leadership and global solidarity as pathways to meaningful and lasting impact. Developed by 36 university students across 18 countries, this movement builds a network of engaged young leaders shaping a more just and equitable world.

BENEFITS

What You’ll Receive:

$2,500 scholarship for community action research
Mentorship & wellness coaching
Training in Storytelling, Responsible AI & Youth-led Participatory Action Research
International conferences & global network
3-Year Journey: Individual → Community → Institutional Transformation

Application Deadline: 20 Feb, 2026

Apply now

See downloads for details

2026 For Youth, By Youth Application Flyer_Part1 Download

2026 For Youth, By Youth Application Flyer_Part2 Download

General

Aptitude Exam (Paper 1) Results for the Mature Age Entry Scheme 2026/2027

Published

1 week ago

February 10, 2026

Mak Editor

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released Aptitude Test Examination results for the Mature Age Entry Scheme Examinations held on Saturday 13^thDecember 2025.

The Candidates who scored 50% and above in the aptitude test passed the aptitude examination and will have their programme -specific examination paper marked. Those who scored less than 50% failed.

Access the links below for the lists categorised under Science-based and Humanities based programmes respectively:

Please Note:

Candidates who are not satisfied with the results may appeal within two weeks from the release of these results through the application system: https://see.mak.ac.ug

General

Call for Applications: Admission to Postgraduate Programmes 2026/2027

Published

2 weeks ago

February 4, 2026

Mak Editor

SoL Graduands celebrate after being conferred upon their awards. 75th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, CoCIS, CEES, CoVAB and School of Law. 13th January 2025, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications for admission to Graduate Programmes (Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters and Doctoral Degree Programmes) for the 2026/2027 Academic Year. Applicants should have obtained at least a first or second class degree (or its equivalent) from a Chartered University at the time of completion. Applicants should also possess a Uganda Certificate of Education (or its equivalent) and a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (or its equivalent).

Sponsorship:

All Graduate Programmes are PRIVATELY-SPONSORED. Therefore, applicants seeking sponsorship should have their applications endorsed by their respective sponsors where applicable. Applicants should note that the various fees payable to the University indicated for the various programmes EXCLUDE functional fees, accommodation, books, research and other expenses.

Makerere-Advert-for-Graduate-Programmes-2026-2027 Download

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