Physicochemical Characteristics and Composition of Three Morphotypes of Cyperus esculentus Tubers and Tuber Oils.

Souleymane Bado,Patrice Bazongo,Moe Thida Kyaw,Brian Peter Forster,Gouyahali Son,Stephan Nielen,Anne Mette Lykke,Amadé Ouédraogo,Imaël Henri Nestor Bassolé

doi:10.1155/2015/673547

Abstract

Tuber characteristics and nutrient composition of three morphotypes of Cyperus esculentus tubers and tuber oils were determined. The mean value for length and width of the tuber and one thousand dried tuber weights ranged from 0.98 to 1.31 cm, 0.90 to 1.19 cm, and 598 to 1044 g, respectively. Tubers displayed high level of starch (30.54–33.21 g 100 g−1), lipid (24.91–28.94 g 100 g−1), and sucrose (17.98–20.39 g 100 g−1). The yellow tubers had significantly higher content in lipid compared to black ones. Levels of ascorbic acid, tocopherol, and β-carotene of the three morphotypes differed significantly. Yellow ones (morphotypes 1 and 2) were the richest in tocopherol and the poorest in β-carotene. Saturated fatty acid content of morphotype 2 was significantly lower than that of morphotypes 1 and 3. Morphotype 3 had the significantly lowest PUFA content compared to morphotypes 1 and 2. Morphotype 1 was found to be richer in Ca, Cu, and Mn contents. Al, Mg, P, S, and Si were most abundant in morphotype 2. Morphotype 3 had the highest content of Cl, K, and Zn.

Highlights

Cyperaceae is a family of monocotyledonous graminoid flowering plants known as sedges, which superficially resemble grasses or rushes
Morphotype 3 had the significantly lowest polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) content compared to morphotypes 1 and 2
About 5,500 species have been described in the family [1] including Cyperus esculentus

Summary

Introduction

Cyperaceae is a family of monocotyledonous graminoid flowering plants known as sedges, which superficially resemble grasses or rushes. The tubers are used fresh as a vegetable or dried as a sweet snack They are grinded into flour and used as a thickener, for bread and cakes or mixed with water as drink. Most of the studies focused on the yellow variety while very little information exists on the physical characteristics of tigernut tubers. A better understanding of morphological parameters of the tigernut tubers as well as their link to the nutrition composition will help to identify valuable varieties and promote their use. This crop could contribute to the poverty alleviation among vulnerable populations, rural women, in Western Africa.

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