Zeitschrift für Lebensmittelverarbeitung und -technologie

Abstrakt

Nutritive Composition and Physicochemical Properties and Oil Contents of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Seed in Middle Awash, Ethiopia

Mulate Zerihun*, Hayelom Berhe, Melse Mulu, Zeyede Agrgahgn, Muluken Demelie

Okra (Abelmoschusesculentus (L.) Moench) is belongs to Malvaceae family. Okra originates from Ethiopia around Nile River and widely spread and grown in the tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions of the world. It is the most popular multipurpose vegetable, such as human diet, a good source of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, calcium, potassium, enzymes, and total minerals. It plays an important role for food security and nutrition in developing countries. The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of registered okra variety. The ash, moisture, fat, protein and carbohydrate contents of okra seeds were obtained (4.70 ± 0.10, 4.72 ± 0.01, 15.74 ± 0.13, 21.27 ± 0.02 and 53.57 ± 0.220)% respectively. The physiochemical of okra oil were showed the saponification, acid, specific gravity, ester, refractive index, and free fatty acids values were 202.81 ± 0.13, 1.89 ± 0.01, 0.92 ± 0.00, 200.93 ± 0.14, 1.47 ± 0.00 and 0.95 ± 0.01 respectively.  The mineral and anti-nutritional values of okra seed such as sodium (Na), potassium (K), phosphorous (P), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), phytate and tannin were showed 17.01 ± 0.17, 168.23 ± 0.01, 72.65 ± 0.01, 51.92 ± 0.00, 16.93 ± 0.74, 2.47 ± 0.40, 0.29 ± 0.21 and 0.91± 0.09 respectively. Regarding physical and chemical composition, okra seeds and their flour could be recommended for a good source of protein, fat, mineral and anti-nutritional factors, which can help remove the stigma of "starvation food" for people and promote them as a healthy food source.