Articles
AGRONOMIC AND NUTRITION STUDIES OF TWO INDIGENOUS VEGETABLES IN ZIMBABWE: CLEOME GYNANDRA (SHONA=NYEVE, NDEBELE=ULUDE) AND CORCHORUS TRIDENS (SHONA=DERERE, NDEBELE=IDELELE)
Article number
513_17
Pages
145 – 152
Language
Abstract
In Zimbabwe and many other African countries, the use of traditional vegetables is on the decline thereby leading to genetic resource erosion which is further worsened by recurrent droughts.
According to common knowledge these vegetables were widely consumed in the past, at which time there were fewer nutritional deficiencies than currently exist.
This in part, is evidence that such vegetables provide essential nutrients.
In view of the current increase in problem diseases in Zimbabwe, worsened by the harsh economic environment, it is imperative that the conservation of genetic resources as well as promotion of these nutritionally valuable vegetables be awarded a top priority.
The following study examines production of two important indigenous vegetables in Zimbabwe: Cleome gynandra and Corchorus tridens in two natural regions of Zimbabwe.
These two are of economic importance to the country and Africa as well because their production is cheaper yet they are of sound comparative nutritional quality and sell as well as the exotic ones (Brassica spp). However there is need for more work to improve their nutritional quality and palatability especially Cleome gynandra which has an unpalatable bitter taste.
Sometimes they even fetch more on the market.
Different fertilizer treatments are imposed, and the fresh and processed (dried) vegetables analyzed for content of certain essential micro nutrients.
Nutrient analysis of the processed vegetables was conducted immediately after drying.
The information gleaned from this study will be disseminated to agricultural extension agents and health practitioners, and should encourage deliberate cultivation and consumption of these species.
According to common knowledge these vegetables were widely consumed in the past, at which time there were fewer nutritional deficiencies than currently exist.
This in part, is evidence that such vegetables provide essential nutrients.
In view of the current increase in problem diseases in Zimbabwe, worsened by the harsh economic environment, it is imperative that the conservation of genetic resources as well as promotion of these nutritionally valuable vegetables be awarded a top priority.
The following study examines production of two important indigenous vegetables in Zimbabwe: Cleome gynandra and Corchorus tridens in two natural regions of Zimbabwe.
These two are of economic importance to the country and Africa as well because their production is cheaper yet they are of sound comparative nutritional quality and sell as well as the exotic ones (Brassica spp). However there is need for more work to improve their nutritional quality and palatability especially Cleome gynandra which has an unpalatable bitter taste.
Sometimes they even fetch more on the market.
Different fertilizer treatments are imposed, and the fresh and processed (dried) vegetables analyzed for content of certain essential micro nutrients.
Nutrient analysis of the processed vegetables was conducted immediately after drying.
The information gleaned from this study will be disseminated to agricultural extension agents and health practitioners, and should encourage deliberate cultivation and consumption of these species.
Authors
V. Machakaire, A.D. Turner, O.A. Chivinge
Keywords
Cleome, Corchorus, processing, storage, nutritional
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