Abstract
The study investigated the nutrient and phytochemical composition of selected
fresh and dried leaves of Bryophyllum pinnatum (odaopue), Corchorus olitorius
(ahihiara) and Amaranthus hybridus (eriemionu). Specifically, it determined;
proximate (crude protein, fat, ash, fiber, moisture, carbohydrate); vitamins
(vitamin C, pro-vitamin A, folate), minerals (calcium, iron, zinc, iodine) and
phytochemical (flavonoids, saponins, phytate) compositions of the vegetables
as consumed. It was an experimental study. The vegetables were harvested
and carefully prepared for chemical analysis. Association of Official Analytical
Chemists (2005) and other analytical methods were used to evaluate the
chemical profile of the vegetables. Data were analysed using descriptive
statistics. Results show that the shade dried samples were nutrient dense
compared to the fresh samples except vitamin C. Phytochemicals tested show
that flavoniods ranged from (3.19-5.75mg/100g), saponin (632.83-
642.93mg/100g) and phytate (0.04-1.26mg/100g). Shade drying was observed
to be a good processing method as it increased the nutrient and phytochemical
contents of the vegetables. It should be adopted because more nutrients were
conserved. It is therefore an effective way to help maintain healthy diet and to
combat micronutrient and other dietary deficiencies.