Nutrient And Anti-Nutrient Contents Of Selected Varieties Of Grain And Leafy Amaranths In Tanzania

ABSTRACT

Assessment of nutrient and anti-nutrient composition of amaranths grown in Tanzania was conducted to come up with their nutritional information. Six selected amaranth varieties namely Amaranthus dubius (Bwasi jekundu), Amaranthus cruentus (Bwasi kijani), Amaranthus hypochondriacus (Lishe njano), Amaranthus hybridus (Lishe nyeupe), Amaranthus hypochondriacus (Nafaka) and Amaranthus dubius (White local) were analyzed for trace minerals (iron, zinc, copper and manganese), proximate composition of crude fat, crude fibre, crude protein, ash, moisture and total carbohydrate and the anti-nutrients (nitrate and oxalate). Analyses were conducted with respect to fresh leaves, dried leaves, grains and amaranth flowers from each variety. Trace mineral‟s results showed that dried leaves of Bwasi jekundu had significantly high (p