Nutritional composition and antioxidant capacity study of moroccan carob pulp

In this study, we aimed to determine whether geographical origin has a significant influence on population-level variation in the nutritional value and antioxidant potential of Moroccan carob pulp.Pulp samples were collected from twelve natural Ceratonia siliqua populations distributed across distinct biogeographical and bioclimatic regions of Morocco.Phenolic and flavonoid contents were extracted using Ultra-Turrax-assisted homogenization and quantified by spectrophotometric methods.Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using the DPPH and FRAP assays, while nutritional quality was assessed by determining total sugars, dietary fiber, moisture, ash, and mineral composition.Results showed significant inter-population variability for all measured parameters (p < 0.005).Total phenolic contents ranged from 0. 77 to 24.27 mg GAE g⁻¹ DW, while flavonoid contents varied between 7.45 and 12.42 mg RE g⁻¹ DW.Antioxidant activity varied significantly among populations, with DPPH IC 50 values ranging from 0. 02 to 0. 60 mg mL⁻¹ and FRAP EC 50 values from 0. 33 to 3. 15 mg mL⁻¹.Populations from semi-arid and high-altitude regions exhibited higher phenolic levels and stronger antioxidant activity than those from more humid environments, and nutritional traits also showed clear geographical differentiation.The obtained results provide a scientific basis for the targeted selection of Moroccan carob populations with superior nutritional and antioxidant qualities for functional food and nutraceutical applications.Nevertheless, the study focused on a single harvest season, and seasonal or interannual phytochemical variability should be evaluated.This work provides one of the most comprehensive evaluations of geographical variability in Moroccan carob pulp, highlighting its biochemical compositional diversity and reinforcing its potential role in a sustainable plant-based food system.