Introduction. Edible wild plants are nature’s gift to mankind. Considering the growing need to identify alternative bio-nutritional sources, some underutilized species of figs (Ficus carica L., F. palmata Forssk., F. racemosa L.) and mulberries (Morus alba L. , M. nigra L, M. laevigata Wall.) of the family Moraceae were evaluated as wild edible fruits to study their nutritive and mineral composition in order to prioritize their edibility for indigenous people. Materials and methods. The major proximal components (moisture, ash, lipids, proteins, fibers and carbohydrates) were determined by standard AOAC methods. The concentration of various minerals (K, Ca, Mg and Na) and trace elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and Ni) were recorded by using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results. Our results indicated a range of moisture contents from 17.82–80.37 g·100 g–1 (fresh weight basis) in F. carica-M. laviegata; protein, 6.31–13.50 g·100 g–1 (dry weight basis) in F. glomerata-M. alba; crude fats, 1.02–2.71 g·100 g–1 in F. palmate-F. glomerata; carbohydrates 69.47–75.58 g·100 g–1 in M. alba-M. nigra; and fiber 7.63–17.81 g×100 g–1 in M. laviegata-F. palmate, respectively. The significantly highest energy value was computed in M. laviegata (367.7 kcal·100 g–1). Moreover, sufficient quantities of essential elements were found in all the studied materials. The highest levels of N [(0.24 ± 0.07) mg·g–1] and Fe [(1.43 ± 0.42 mg·g–1] were found in M. laviegata; Na [(1.92 ± 0.11 mg·g–1] and Mg [(6.92 ± 0.37 mg·g–1] in F. palmate; and K [(17.21 ± 0.03 mg·g–1] in F. glomerata. Significant variation existed among the selected species in all the nutritional parameters. Conclusion. According to our results, fig and mulberry fruits are recommended for commercial-scale production for the green industry to overcome food crises as they are potential food sources, particularly Morus laviegata and Ficus palmata, with rich nutritional attributes and mineral profiles.

Introduction. Mulberry is themost medicinally important plant of the genus Morus.The mulberry fruit is used for many medical purposes. The speciesorigin and adaptation, plant description, foliage, flowers and fruit,location, soil, and pests and diseases are summarized. Compositionof mulberry. The studies from different countries show thatthe mulberry plant is rich in phenolic compounds, macro-elements(K, Ca, Mg, Na) and micro-elements (Fe, Zn, Ni). Phenolic compoundsare found in all parts of the mulberry plant. Uses.Mulberry fruit can be used for making jam, jelly, pulp, fruit drinks,fruit sauce and cake. Mulberry fruits are rich in anthocyanins andshould be exploited for the industrial production of natural colorto be used in the food industry. Conclusion. The mulberryplant is of significant biological importance for its antioxidantand antimicrobial properties. Our study suggested the use of mulberryas a potential health food, or important antioxidant carrier inthe food and pharmaceutical industries.