EFFECT OF PLANT MATURITY ON THE MINERAL CONTENT OF THE LEAVES OF MOMORDICA BALSAMINA L. AND VIGNA UNGUICULATA SUBSP. SESQUIPEDALIS (L.) VERDC.

Authors: FLYMAN, MICHAEL V.; AFOLAYAN, ANTHONY J.

Source: Journal of Food Quality, Volume 31, Number 5, October 2008 , pp. 661-671(11)

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Abstract:

Vegetable quality can be influenced by various factors including preharvest conditions and stage of maturity. Consumers are increasingly demanding for food with acceptable internal quality attributes like vitamins and mineral composition, in addition to sensory properties like appearance, texture, taste and aroma. The purpose of this study was to examine the mineral content of two traditional leafy vegetables in Botswana, namely Momordica balsamina and Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis, at different stages of maturity. Both vegetables exhibited different variation patterns in their leaf mineral contents with advancing age and the effect of maturity stage was significant (P < 0.05). Although M. balsamina and V. unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis could be integrated into a food-based strategy to alleviate micronutrient malnutrition, the recommended harvesting stages would be dictated by the specific mineral deficiency being addressed. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The research findings are relevant in communities where home gardens and wild vegetable gathering are promoted as strategies to increase the intake of micronutrient-rich foods. Practical uses are in the formulation of guidelines toward the optimal harvesting times for different vegetables depending on specific mineral nutrient deficiencies being addressed.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-4557.2008.00218.x

Publication date: 2008-10-01