Quality evaluation of fresh selected orange fleshed sweet potatoes in lake zone of Tanzania
Loading...
Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Science Publishing Group
Abstract
Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD) is a public health problem in developing countries in children below five years.
Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes (OFSP) are rich in β-carotene a pre-cassor for vitamin A. Being a cheap and affordable source,
can be utilized by incorporating in staple foods to combat VAD in developing countries. OFSP fresh roots (Ejumla, Jewel and
Carrot dar) were collected from Ukerewe and Misungwi District, Mwanza region for quality evaluation. The findings of the
study indicated that there was considerable variance in the nutrient content across the several types of OFSP that were tested.
Among the varieties that were chosen for analysis, it was found that Jewel had the maximum quantity of β-carotene (113,565 ±
1.45 μg/100 g), whilst Carrot dar had the lowest concentration (5,165 ± 3.38 μg/100 g). In addition to β-carotene, the
aforementioned varieties of OFSP exhibited a diverse array of nutrients, including protein (3.82% - 8.86%), fat (0.32% - 0.51%),
fibre (1.83% - 3.15%), carbohydrate (87.05% - 92.60%), ash (0.86% - 1.09%), ascorbic acid (15.04 mg/100 g - 17.27 mg/100 g),
and energy content (385.19 Kcal/100 g - 392.92 Kcal/100 g). Several minerals were discovered in the selected OFSP varieties.
Jewel exhibits a high content of essential minerals such as calcium (44.30 mg/100g), iron (1.34 mg/100g), zinc (0.35 mg/100g),
and potassium (317.12 mg/100g). Conversely, Ejumla is characterized by its notable sodium (112 mg/100g) and magnesium
(2.73 mg/100g) content, making it a valuable source of these minerals. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that OFSP
possesses a high concentration of essential nutrients that play a crucial role in addressing both macro and micro-nutrient
deficiencies in developing countries. Hence, individuals should integrate Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes into their primary
food sources as a means of enhancing the overall nutritional value.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
β-Carotene, Micro Nutrient Deficiency, Minerals, Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato, Ascorbic Acid
Citation
Caresma Chuwa, Abdulsudi Issa-Zacharia. (2023). Quality Evaluation of Fresh Selected Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes in Lake zone of Tanzania. Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences, 11(6), 174-181. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfns.20231106.13