Fibre, ash and ascorbic acid status of dried tomotoes marketed in Owerri, Imo-state

Abstract

Dried tomatoes sourced from Gashua, Gombe and Zaria, but marketed in Owerri, Imo State were analysed for their crude fibre, ash and ascorbic acid content. The samples from Gashua and Gombe had lower percentage crude fibre content (13.37% and 13.20%) than the samples from Zaria (17.21%). The same was the case for the ascorbic acid content-Gashua (41.79%), Gombe (59.19%) and Zaria (63.29%). The reverse was the case with percentage ash content were Zaria samples had the least value (15.40%), Gombe (17.69%) and Gashua (18.65%). No significant differences existed between Gashua and Gombe samples for the percentage crude content. However, significant differences (P=0.05) existed between Gashua and Gombe samples; and between Gombe and Zaria samples. No significant differences existed amongst all the three samples for the percentage ash content, while significant differences existed amongst all three samples for the ascorbic acid content. Sources of variation in the nutrient status are identified as high moisture content of the dried tomatoes, nature of soil, lack of suphiting in drying process and overheating in packages. Hygienic sundrying techniques and proper packaging are suggested.

Keywords: dried tomatoes, nutrients, moisture, package.

International Journal of Agriculture and Development Vol. 9 2007: pp. 117-119