Inconsistent differences between neutral detergent fiber and total dietary fiber values of fruits and vegetables

A large number of fruits and vegetables were analyzed to determine levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and total dietary fiber (TDF). The results showed that the TDF method is more precise than the NDF method. Further, the NDF values are significantly higher than the TDF values for apples and for miscellaneous fruits and vegetables, and significantly lower for stonefruit. For berryfruit, the differences between the NDF and TDF data are not significant. Also, a significant interaction between sample and method (except for berryfruit) indicated that, within groups, the (TDF-NDF) values vary so much that a "group difference" does not exist; consequently, figures from one method cannot be estimated from results of the other.