investigation of nutritional compositions of cassava roots of selected woredas of jimma zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Cassava is a dominant staple food for many developing countries, particularly, in humid and subhumid tropics. In this study the nutritional composition, mineral, heavy metal and cyanide content of cassava root grown in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia were investigated. Cassava samples were collected from five selected Woredas (Districts) of the Zone, where the plant usually grows. Nutritional compositions such as crude fat, protein and fiber as well as mineral contents were considered in this study. Accordingly, the crude fat, protein and fiber content of the studied cassava root ranging from1.38-3.06%, 1.32-1.90% and 1.58-2.96%, respectively. The concentration of the mineral elements; calcium, magnesium iron, and copper analyzed were ranging from 153-436 ppm, 65-207 ppm, 54.23-427 ppm, and 1.38-7.26 ppm respectively. In addition to the above parameters, the recovery of the mineral and heavy metal determined were between 80.80-120.58%.Wet sample digestion method was used for mineral and heavy metal determination purpose and titration method for cyanide. The results of nutritional composition of analyzed cassava root samples were rich in crude fat, protein, fiber and carbohydrate, as well as in mineral contents. The level of cyanide as compared to the limits set by WHO was low and it may not cause harmful effect on human health.