Abstract

Kohat, a semi arid region, has bestowed with ample natural wealth of vegetables and plant species. Local people are depending, one way or the other, on these vegetable species for food and medicine. To fulfill the nutritional needs of the local people, various vegetable species are cultivated. In the present study, Momordica charantia, Cucurbita maxima, Solanum melongena var. esculentum, Allium sativum, Capsicum fruitescens and Brassica oleraceae var. capitata were evaluated for the first time for nutritional and mineral analysis. In nutritional analysis, ash, carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, fats, moisture and energy values were assessed using AOAC methods, while Cu, Ni, Zn, Pb, Co, Cd, Fe and Cr, were evaluated for mineral analysis by the use of Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The species evaluated in the present study showed variations in the results. B. oleraceae var. capitatahas revealed highest percentage of moisture, fats and proteins (14.708, 2.877 and 22.342%, respectively), while M. charantia showed the highest percentage of fibers and energy value (23.418% and 330.441 kcal/100 g respectively), when compared with other vegetable species. In mineral contents, A. sativum had the highest concentrations of Zn and Cu (262 and 28 mg/L respectively) compared to the other species. 

Key words: Nutritional assessment, micronutrients, atomic absorption, Kjeldahl.