PATTERNS OF CHEMICAL COMPOSITION IN VEGETABLE SPECIES WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO OKRA (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS), EGUSI (COLOCYNTHIS CITRULLUS) AND FLUTED PUMPKIN (TELFAIRIA OCCIDENTALIS)

Species of vegetables in the form of fruits, kernels and leaves contribute substantially to the dietary requirements of peoples in developing countries, particularly among the low income groups.
Although vegetables are readily available, grown or gathered, their optimum values are not often derived because of limited or complete absence of knowledge of the patterns of their chemical composition and changes and consequently the most advantageous stages in which they are to be consumed.
Okra, egusi and fluted pumpkin are taken as examples of fruit, kernel and leafy vegetables in Nigeria and the state of knowledge of their respective chemical composition and changes are outlined.
Patterns of chemical composition and advantageous stages of consumption are discussed.

VI African Symposium on Horticultural Crops

C. Oyolu

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1983.123.9