Evaluation of the nutrient components in seeds of the halophyte Kalidium foliatum

In order to better utilize the halophyte for controlling soil salinization, the nutrient composition and edible value of Kalidium foliatum seeds were analyzed and evaluated using ion exchange chromatography and flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The results showed that the major nutrients in K. foliatum seeds were protein (204 g·kg⁻¹), fat (54 g·kg⁻¹), crude fiber (45 g·kg⁻¹), and carbohydrates (379 g·kg⁻¹). There were 18 amino acids in K. foliatum seeds. The total amino acid content was 205.8 g·kg ⁻¹, of which essential amino acids accounted for 26.82%. The lysine content was the highest, at 11.3 g·kg ⁻¹, and the essential amino acid index was 120.40. Protein has high nutritional value in K. foliatum seeds. The trace element contents were 332 mg·kg⁻¹ for iron, 44.1 mg·kg⁻¹ for zinc, and 1590 mg·kg⁻¹ for calcium. The major fatty acids were linoleic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid, and the content of the fatty acids essential for human nutrition was 73.91%. In summary, K. foliatum seeds are rich in nutrients and can be used as ideal raw materials for the development of high-protein, high-crude fiber, and iron-rich functional foods.