Comparative Proximate Analysis of T. Occidentalis (Fluted Pumpkin) Leaves Sold In Three Different Markets in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Research was carried out to investigate the proximate analysis of Telfairia occidentalis (Fluted pumpkin) leaves sold in three different markets in Benin-City, Edo State Nigeria. Samples of each substrate were randomly purchased from three different sellers in each market. The proximate analysis was carried out using standard methods of food analysis. Experimental results revealed that across the markets, moisture content was the highest and ranged from 91.25±0.38 to 92.45±1.02%, crude fibre content ranged from 2.98±0.22 to 3.51±0.13%, carbohydrate content ranged from 2.65±0.05 to 3.29±0.15%, the protein content ranged from 1.05±0.03 to 2.06±0.15%, the fat content ranged from 0.25±0.05 to 0.45±0.04% and the ash content ranged from 0.18±0.02 to 0.28±0.04%. The results were compared using an analysis of variance test. There were no significant differences in the nutritional composition of Telfairia occidentalis (Fluted pumpkin) leaves sold in the three different markets considered (p > 0.05).