Variations in the nutritional and anti-nutritional properties of eight accessions of jute (<i>Corchorius olitorius</i>) seeds

Abstract

Background: Corchorus olitorius is an underutilized indigenous vegetable in Nigeria and it is characterized by high mineral and vitamin contents. The leaves and fresh fruits are traditionally used for making soup; however, little or no utility is placed on the dried seeds. Determination of the nutritional quality of the dried seeds will enhance its utilization potentials, both for human and as ingredients in animal feeds.

Objective: The study evaluated the chemical compositions of eight accessions of C. olitorious dried seeds.

Methods: Dried seeds of eight accessions of C. olitorious collected from research farm of the Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka were analyzed for proximate, anti-nutrient, mineral and vitamin contents using standard analytical procedures. Experimental procedures followed a completely randomized design (CRD) replicated three times. Data were subjected to ANOVA in CRD using GENSTAT statistical software.

Results: Accession influenced some proximate, anti-nutrient, mineral and vitamin contents of the seed. Accession Ka-2 had more moisture content (5.75%). Accession Ik-1 yielded more protein (9.85%), cyanide (43.10 mg/100 g), phenol (55.90 mg/100 g) and Lycopene (0.600 mg/100 g). Oxalate was more in Ik-3 with 47.80 mg/100 g. Accession Ib-2 gave the highest phytate (20.32 mg/100 g) and β-Carotene (0.70 mg/100 g). Concentration of tannin was more (1.43 mg/100 g) in accession Ib-3. Iron was more in Ka-1 (0.32 mg/100 g). Zinc was more pronounced (2.18 mg/100 g) in accession Ib-1.

Conclusion: Differences in nutritional qualities as reported could guide the utility of the crop and suggest possibility for genetic improvement.