Estimation Of Nutritional And Starch Characteristics Of African Bitter Yam Commonly Cultivated In South-Eastern Nigeria:- Igboekweze Chidimma .E

ABSTRACT ix This research investigated the nutritional and starch characteristics of D. dumetorum using standard procedure. Fresh tubes of D. dumetorum was purchased from Orie-Ugba Market, Umuahia and was cooked period to analysis of proximate, phytochemical, mineral composition and starch characteristics. Proximate analysis included in g% dry weight. Protein (1.75 + 0.01), Crude fat (4.80 + 0.01), Crude fiber (27.65+ 0.01), total ash (6.00 +0.01) and a moisture content of 16.00 + 0.01g% wet weight. A high value of 43.80% was recorded for total carbohydrate. Phytochemical screening ofthe tuner revealed the presence of Saponin (1.27%), phenol (0.92%), Flavonoid (0.36%), Alkaloid (0.44%), Cyanide (0.06mg/wog), Carotenoid (21.95mglg), Glycoside (0.04%) and Tannin (0.49%). The mineral constituents were Sodium (0.27mglg), Potassium (0.07mg!g), Iron (O.Olmglg), Manganese (O.Olmglg), Magnesium (0.29mglg), Calcium (O.OImglg), and Phosphorus (0.03mglg). Starch obtained from the tuner showed the following characteristics; Amylose content (25.4%), Gelatinization temperature (92°C) and Gelatinization time (5minutes). The result of the study suggests that D. dumetorum had nutritional proximate compositions with immense health benefits, however low mineral compositions were reported.