ABSTRACT

A fruit is a seed-bearing structure in flowering plants that is formed from the ovary after flowering. Fruits give nourishment to the body by providing essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre and regular consumption may help prevent a number of ailments. The study is aimed to access the number and types of fruit sold and consumed in Edo state and the knowledge and perceived importance of fruits species in the state. The study was carried out in Benin city Edo. Ten markets were visited and primary data was collected through well-structured questionnaires, field observation, and interviews was also made during the research on the study area.A total of 21 types of fruits from 16 families was recorded in the study area. These families include Anacardiaceae, Musaceae, Lauraceae, Piperaceae, Arecaceae, Bromeliaceae, Solanaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Rutaceae, Annonaceae, Cyperaceae, Caricaceae,Cucurbitaceae, Malvaceae, Apocynaceae, Burseraceae. The highest number of fruits was from the Rutaceae family, while Lauraceae,Arecaceae and Burseraceae had the least. The study explored the types of fruits found in markets of Benin city and observed that more exotic species are sold and preferred by the populace hence there is also a need to create a balance in the quantity of exotic fruits when compared with the indigenous species and awareness on the nutritive and economic benefits of fruits is much needed to improve crop production.