Paper Contents
Abstract
Root and tuber crops provide a substantial part of the world food supply and are also an important source of animal feed and industrial products. Thus, the aim of this study was to carry out comparative nutritional analysis of polynesian arrow root (Tacca leontopetaloides) and cassava (Manihot esculernta) cultivated in Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State. The polynesian arrow root and cassava were purchased from Saturday market in Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State. They were washed, peeled and sliced. The peeled and washed tubers were sun dried for three (3) days. The tubers were each blended and sieved to form fine flour. 50gm each of the polynesian arrow root and cassava flours were packaged into air tight labeled autoclaved BAMA bottles and transported to the Biochemistry Department of National veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom for proximate analysis. Data obtained was analyzed using using One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) through Graphpad Prism computer software. The result of the proximate analysis revealed that the moisture content of sample A was highest having value of 62.250.65, followed by sample B with value 6.310.30. Sample B had the highest value crude protein value of 28.4050.49, followed by the sample A having a value of 3.770.23. Sample B had highest value of Crude fibre of 4.670.56, followed by sample A which had the least value of 1.990.01. There was also significant difference in crude fat and ash contents of sample B with the highest value of 5.620.50 and 5.780.45 compared to sample A respectively. The mineral content revealed the value of calcium content (01.570.33) was higher in sample B followed and the least was observed in sample A (0.560.03). The phosphorus content revealed the higher value was recoded in sample B (0.460.05) and the least value was seen in sample A (0.380.33). In conclusion, the polynesian Arrow Root (Tacca leontopetaloides) and Cassava (Manihot esculernta) when processed have been found to contain healthy amounts of amino acids fiber, ash, carbohydrate, protein, calcium and phosphorus, which makes them good food for all classes of people to beef up the nutritional needs and food security level of the society especially in the developing countries like Nigeria. The study recommends that polynesian Arrow Root production should be mechanized through funding by government and private stake holders, there should be in place adequate level of strategically targeted investment in the Polynesian Arrow Root production and marketing.
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 Sangari Joel Sunday. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
