Nutrient Content of Bamboo Shoots from Selected Species in Kenya

Abstract

Information on nutrient composition of bamboo shoots is scanty despite being used as vegetables in some parts of Kenya. In this study, the nutrient content of shoots from selected exotic bamboo species (<i>Dendrocalamus giganteus</i>,<i> Dendrocalamus membranaceus</i>, <i>Dendrocalamus asper, Oxytenanthera abyssinica </i>and<i> Bambusa vulgaris) </i>growing in various agro-climatic regions in Kenya were determined. The study aimed at determining the nutritional potential of the bamboo shoots in order to evaluate their suitability for enhancing food and nutrition security. This will in turn enhance the value of bamboo for conservation, utilization, contribution to economic development and rural poverty reduction. Samples were analysed for proximate composition, minerals, vitamin, and calorific values using standard procedures. Moisture levels ranged from 89.9% to 92.1%. On dry weight basis, crude fibre ranged between 17.6% and 34.8%, protein 18.9% and 38.7%, ash 9.3% to 12.8%. On wet weight basis, vitamin C ranged between 2.03 to 4.17mg/100g, riboflavin 0.02mg/100g and 0.05/100g, niacin (B3) 0.19mg/100 and 0.08mg/100g. On wet weight basis Magnesium content ranged between 0.09mg/100g and 3.31mg/100g, Aluminium 28.27mg/100g and 47.34mg/100, Calcium 2.33mg/100g and 31.25mg/100, Iron 0.83mg/100g and 5.31mg/100, Copper 0.15/100 and 0.19mg/100g, Zinc 0.10mg/100g and 1.95mg/100, Sodium 4.49mg/100g and 9.51mg/100g and Potassium 1.77mg/100g and 236.73mg/100g. Calorific values on dry weight basis ranged from 393.99Kcal/100g to 464.86Kcal/100g. The findings on the nutritional content in terms of fibre, protein and minerals make bamboo shoots a potential meal for consideration in Kenyan households.