THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND ORGANOLEPTIC ATTRIBUTES OF LESSER-KNOWN VEGETABLES AS CONSUMED IN NJIKOKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA ()
ABSTRACT
This study determined the chemical composition and organoleptic attributes of three selected vegetables consumed in Njikoka local government area, Anambra state, Nigeria. The vegetables used for the study were Ipomea batatas, Portulaca olercea and Corchorus tridens purchased from local market in Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka local government area, Anambra State, Nigeria. The vegetables were processed (sun and shade dried). The fresh samples served as the controls. Nine yam dishes based on fresh, sun and shade dried of the vegetables were prepared. The vegetable samples and the dishes were analysed for nutrient and antinutrient contents using modern assay techniques. The results demonstrated that shade and sun drying increased various nutrients. The nutrient values for the dishes were lower than those of the vegetable samples. The sensory evaluations of the dishes were generally accepted by the judges as judged by the results. The nutrient content of these lesser-known vegetables and their dishes are promising. These vegetables and their dishes could upgrade the micronutrient densities of some of our traditional des based only on popular vegetables that are scarce during dry season.
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Introduction
There are many micronutrient deficiency disease in Njikoka local government area of Anambra state. This is due to low consumption of fruits and vegetables. This was based on the results of Nigeria food consumption and nutrition survey 2001 – 2003. In Nigeria ecosystem, there are variety of fruits and vegetables both cultivated and wild ones.
However, their consumption is inadequate mostly among children within the ages of 3 – 5 years. Besides, these well known vegetables, there are many lesser – known fruits and vegetables that might be very good sources of various micronutrients that have been investigated.
Much interest on nutrient composition, processing and utilization of these lesser- known fruits and vegetables are scarce. In Njikoka local government area of Anambra State, there are many vegetables that are used for preparation of various traditional soups. However, due to poor nutrition education these vegetables are not utilized. These vegetables are mostly consumed by the poor or low income groups in the community.
According to Tope-Ajayi (2004), proper nutrition provides adequate strength, protection against disease and assist in quick recovery from illnesses. Recent national and local surveys have revealed staggering prevalence of undernourishment among children under 5 years of age. Nearly every child is stunted and one in ten (1:10) is wasted. The common specific nutritional disorders include protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), anaemia due to iron, vitamin A and iodine deficiencies. Nutrient deficiencies that are most common during childhood and adolescence are iron, calcium, zinc and vitamin A. Adequate amount of these minerals and vitamins must be included in the diet (Lucas, 1996).
