Biochemical and antioxidant properties of cream and orange-fleshed sweet potato

Abstract

The rate of micronutrient deficiency has been on an increase since the last decade and the utilization of bio-fortified crops could help to alleviate this deficiency and food insecurity in Africa especially in Nigeria. The aim of this study was to compare the biochemical and antioxidant properties of cream-fleshed and orange-fleshed sweet potato. The varieties of OFSP used in this study were mother's delight (MDP) and king J (KJP) orange-fleshed sweet potato while the other variety was cream-fleshed sweet potato (CFSP). The tubers were processed into flour and analyzed for proximate, minerals, anti-nutrient and antioxidant properties using standard methods. The ash content ranged from 4.60 to 7.20%, carbohydrate content ranged between 73.47 and 78.61%. MDP has the highest beta carotene content with 18.83 mg/100g followed by KJP and CFSP. Magnesium value ranged between 124.0 and 148.2 mg/100g, potassium ranged from 1226.5 to 2350.0 mg/100g. Sodium-potassium ratio (Na/K) was <1. The antioxidants properties evaluated were all higher in OFSP than CFSP. The bio-fortified sweet potato showed an improved biochemical and antioxidant properties compared to the CFSP, thus OFSP will be suitable to combat micronutrient deficiency and food insecurity in Africa.