The fruit of the cherry tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum (Solanaceae)) was 
analysed for mineral and antinutrient composition. Phosphorus (33.04 ± 0.21 
mg/100g) was the most abundant mineral in the fruit, followed by calcium (32.04 
± 0.06 mg/100 g), and potassium (11.9 ± 0.1 mg/100 g) and manganese (9.55 ± 0.28 
mg/100 g) were also present in appreciable quantities. Antinutrients, including 
phytate, glycoside, saponin and tannin, were screened and quantified. Phytate 
(112.82 ± 0.1 mg/100 g), glycoside (2.33 ± 0.00 mg/100 g), saponin (1.31 ± 0.00 
mg/100g) and tannin (0.21 ± 0.00 mg/100 g) were present in the fruit but 
phlobatanin and glycosides with steroidal rings were not found. The calculated 
calcium:phytate ratio of the fruits was below the critical value and the 
calculated [calcium] [phytate]:[zinc] molar ratio was less than the critical 
value. The calcium:phosphorus ratio (0.97 mg/100 g) shows the fruit to be a good 
source of food nutrients, while the sodium:potassium value was less than 1. Ca/P 
ratio below 0.5 indicates deficiency of these minerals while Na/K ratio above 1 
is detrimental because of excessive sodium levels. The results of the study 
generally revealed the fruit to be rich in minerals but containing insufficient 
quantities of antinutrients to result in poor mineral bioavailability.