Nutritional Analysis of Fish (<i>Sarotherodon galilaeus</i>) Snack with and without the Fortification of Plant (<i>Ocimum gratissimum, Vernonia amygdalina</i> and <i>Ocimum gratissimum</i> plus <i>Vernonia amygdalina</i>) Extracts

Abstract

The study of the proximate and elemental composition of fish snack made from Sarotherodon galilaeus , with and without fortification of plant crude extracts Ocimum gratissimum (OGE), Vernonia amygdalina (VAE), and Ocimum gratissimum plus Vernonia amygdalina (OVE) was carried out to determine the effect of plant extracts on the nutritive qualities of the fish snacks. Twelve fish samples grouped into three class sizes (A, B, C), were used. They were washed, weighed, gutted, filleted, cut into pieces, staked on palm frond sticks and fortified with extracts, spiced and dried with a smoldering fire. Snack were analyzed for proximate and nutrients composition using standard methods. Data collected were subjected to ANOVA using SAS ® 2008 version 9.1. Protein contents ranged from 48.35±0.13% (VAE) to 60.87±0.01% (unfortified), the highest lipid content 13.15±0.05% was recorded in the unfortified snacks and the lowest 12.85±0.23% for (OVE), carbohydrate 23.70±0.04% was higher (P>0.05) IN (VAE). Concentrations of Na (702.2±0.004 mg), and Se (2.44±0.072 µg) were higher (p>0.05) in (VAE). Energy value ranged from 403.57 kcal/100 g (VAE) to 416 kcal/100 g (OGE). Addition of plants extract and composite spice to the fish fillet had effect on the nutritional qualities of the product. The production of the snack would enhance fish utilization, food and employment security, as well as promote healthy snacking among the populace.