Traditional Vegetables Research Articles

Panelists liking of canola (Brassica napus) greens

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe how three traditional cruciferous vegetables: cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), collard greens (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) and kale (Brassica oleracea var. viridis) were compared to canola greens through sensory analysis to evaluate panelists' acceptance of canola as a potential source of leafy‐green vegetable.Design/methodology/approachCanola cultivars were grown at Alabama A&M University, Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station, Hazel Green, Alabama, and harvested at the rosette stage. Traditional vegetables (cabbage, collard and kale) were obtained from a local food specialty store. All vegetables were washed and refrigerated overnight. On the day of testing, vegetables were chopped uniformly in preparation for cooking. Using a nine‐point hedonic scale, vegetables were rated for color, flavor and texture. Overall preference was rated using most favorite, second favorite and third favorite.FindingsColor of prepared canola was preferred significantly over other vegetables. There was no significant difference in preference based on texture among canola, collard greens and kale, however, cabbage was significantly preferred by panelists for texture and flavor. The rating for color and texture indicated significant difference among age groups. Response for texture and flavor showed a linear relationship (r2 of 0.69) for the model: color texture = flavor, while principal component analysis indicated African‐American females, ages 20‐29 as outliers. The results suggest that canola greens have the appeal of being accepted as an additional tasty Brassica vegetable. Originality/value – This research provides new data on canola as a potential new green leafy vegetable, based on consumer preference.

Knowledge and attitudes about traditional African vegetables are related to their consumption in Kenya and Tanzania

This study compares the frequency of consumption of traditional African vegetables (TAVs) in Kiambu, Kenya, and Arusha, Tanzania, as it relates to attitudes about the status of these vegetables, and knowledge about their nutritional value. The study is done within the context of a program promoting TAVs (Amaranthus spp., Solanum spp., Cleome gynandra, Vigna unguiculata, Ipomoea batatas) based on their nutritional attributes, including high micronutrient content and potential to improve overall diet quality. A baseline survey was administered in 2007 to 360 small farmer households, some of whom had been previously exposed to the promotion of traditional vegetables. The survey, as well as focus group discussions, gathered information on knowledge and attitudes about the vegetables, and diet. Survey data show that greater nutritional knowledge and more favorable attitudes about the TAVs are highly significantly predictive of TAV consumption at the household level. Qualitative data support these associations, and indicate that knowledge and attitude changes precede consumption changes. These findings suggest that promotion of crops based on nutrition and image is likely to be successful in increasing consumption of those crops among small farmer households in the study regions.Funding sources: Kilimo Trust; NSF; HE Babcock Chair and Einaudi Center, Cornell University

Evaluation of purslane on selective cardiovascular biomarkers in liver and heart tissue of hamsters

Many traditional vegetables consumed by African Americans contain cardio‐protective nutrients that may reduce risk associated with CVD. This study evaluated the effectiveness of purslane on liver and heart lipids, vitamin E, vitamin C, and glutathione peroxidase. Lipid values, vitamin C and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined using diagnostic kits and vitamin E was determined using HPLC. Sixty Golden Syrian hamsters were fed diets containing two levels of fat [12% & 45%] and purslane [2% and 4%]. A total of six diets were fed including two controls, a low and high fat. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range test.In liver and heart tissues, total cholesterol, LDL‐C and triacylglycerols (TAGs) significantly decreased in low and high fat diets containing both levels of purslane (P< 0.05) and HDL‐C increased. Vitamin E significantly increased in animals fed the normal and high fat diets, supplemented with low and high purslane. The levels of GPx increased (P< 0.02) in animals fed the high fat high purslane diet compared to the control and low purslane group. Liver ascorbic decreased in the normal and high fat diet compared to the control. The results from this study indicate that consumption of purslane may selectively decrease CVD risks by increasing vitamin E and HDL levels and decreasing athrogenic lipids.

CONSUMPTION OF TRADITIONAL AND EXOTIC VEGETABLES AND THEIR PERCEIVED AND REAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO NUTRITIONAL HEALTH IN TANZANIA

Within the project Promotion of Neglected Indigenous Vegetables for Nutritional Health in Eastern and Southern Africa (ProNIVA), the actual consumption of traditional and exotic vegetables by women in twelve rural and six peri-urban villages of three districts in Tanzania was studied. At the end of the short dry season in 2007, a total of 176 women were interviewed on their eating habits using a seven-day-recall. Additionally, they were checked for their nutritional health status (i.e., vitamin A deficiency measured as low retinol-binding protein). The traditional vegetables mainly consumed were dark green leaves, which are good sources of vitamin A. In all districts, traditional vegetables were eaten in higher numbers and greater diversity than exotic vegetables. Women in the rural, semi-arid district Kongwa consumed a greater variety of traditional vegetables than those from the peri-urban, semi-arid Singida district, while the lowest diversity of traditional vegetable intake during one week was found in the rural, humid Muheza District. Contrary to this, in focus group meetings during the long dry season in 2003, it was found that vegetable diversity reported by participants was lowest in Singida, intermediate in Kongwa, and highest in Muheza District. While the main factors influencing traditional vegetable diversity appeared to be village distances to urban centers, the new results show that further causes, such as education, culture, economic status, and individual preferences impact on the consumption of vegetable diversity. When asked to name foods high in vitamin A and iron, participating women valued traditional vegetables more than exotic vegetables. This reflects the reality that traditional vegetables contain higher values of vitamin A and iron than exotic ones. Therefore, it is concluded that, while traditional vegetables are neglected in research and development, the local population still utilises these crops so that they will not perish but have the capability to nourish future generations.

THE CONTRIBUTION OF TRADITIONAL VEGETABLES TO HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY IN TWO COMMUNITIES OF VIHIGA AND MIGORI DISTRICTS, KENYA

Household food insecurity is a serious recurrent problem for Kenyan smallholding farmers for whom hunger periods and/or nutritional deficiencies are frequent. Hunger periods are periods of time in which the stocks of food staples, such as maize or cassava, are finished and household food security relies on available cash. The goal of this study was to compare the current situation regarding household food security of two sites in Vihiga and Migori districts (Western Kenya and Nyanza Provinces, respectively) which have different bio-physical, socio-economic, and ethno-cultural characteristics. The role of agrobiodiversity, and more specifically diversity of traditional leafy vegetables, in dietary diversity and household food security were also tested. Data collection was done by conducting farm surveys. Three types of vulnerability in household food security were identified based on off-farm income (%) and self-sufficiency of staple food production. Traditional vegetables are widely grown and consumed daily along with the staple maize meal, ugali, contributing to micronutrient intake. Maize self sufficiency and diversity of traditional vegetables are higher in Migori than in Vihiga. Most vulnerable households in Vihiga have a triple threat because during their long gap of maize stock, cash is needed to buy maize and prices are much higher due to the high demand. No direct link between agrobiodiversity and household food security was found in this study. Therefore the role of agrobiodiversity by itself, and more specifically the diversity of traditional vegetables, in household food security might be overrated.

Preliminary assessment of nutritional value of plant-based diets in relation to human nutrients

In this research, we present preliminary nutritional data for traditional vegetables and fruits including their content of mineral elements (calcium, potassium, sodium, zinc, and iron) and antioxidant phenolic compounds levels. Eight vegetables and vegetables were studied. Plant foods Asparagus officinalis DC, Chlorophytum comosum Linn., Cordia myxa Roxb., Portulaca oleracia Linn. and Solanum indicum Linn. were collected in Behbehan, south Iran, and also Alocacia indica Sch., Eulophia ocherata Lindl. and Momordica dioica Roxb. were collected from the south of India. Nutrients were measured with food analytical standard methods. The results of this study provide evidence that these local traditional vegetables, which do not require formal cultivation, could be important contributors to improving the nutritional content of Pune and Behbehan people. Results indicate that 50% of the vegetables have significant energy values ranging from 281.4 to 303.9 kcal/100 g. From this study, it was determined that five vegetables, namely A. officinalis, C. comosum, E. ocherata, P. oleracia and S. indicum, provide mineral concentrations exceeding 2% of the plant dry weight and are much higher than typical mineral concentrations in conventional edible vegetables; they are thus recommended for future commercial cultivation. High levels of antioxidant compounds were noticed in P. oleracia and S. indicum. The three plants S. indicum, A. officinalis and P. oleracia are suitable for high-temperature food processes.

IN VITRO IRON BIOAVAILABILITY IN SWEET POTATO LEAF RECIPES AS AFFECTED BY PROCESSING METHODS

ISHS International Symposium on Underutilized Plants for Food Security, Nutrition, Income and Sustainable Development IN VITRO IRON BIOAVAILABILITY IN SWEET POTATO LEAF RECIPES AS AFFECTED BY PROCESSING METHODS

An investigation on sources of potential minerals found in traditional vegetables of North-east India

The north-eastern region of India is endowed with a great wealth of plant genetic resources. Out of the vast floral diversity of the region, a large number of indigenous plant species and their wild forms constitute the routine vegetables of the inhabitants, which provide sufficient nutrients and medicinal values for the people. They seem to be quite healthy on average, even though the ethnic tribes are ignorant about the concept of balanced diet and healthcare.This paper describes the mineral (calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and phosphorus) contents and chemical composition in percentages such as carbohydrate, protein, fat, and so forth, found in 15 traditional vegetable species collected from different parts of North-east India. The results of this study contribute to the knowledge on vitamin contents in these vegetables. The amounts of ascorbic acid found in some species were much higher than the amount present in many conventional vegetables.

The Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Some Nutritional Values of Vegetable Amaranth Sold in Nairobi-Kenya

Twenty one major supermarkets and ten independent green grocers in the city of Nairobi were surveyed for types of vegetable amaranths sold and their post harvest handling. The nutrient composition of the vegetables was also analyzed. In addition, information on three other traditional leafy vegetables (TLVs) namely, Cleome gynandra, Solanum nigrum, and Vigna unguiculata was obtained. All the vegetables were sold in bundles of average weight 0.45 kg. The edible fraction per bundle averaged 38.9%. Chemical analyses showed that vegetable amaranth had a moisture content of 85.5%, therefore a dry matter content of 14.5%. Expressed on dry matter basis, the mean total ash content was 19.2%, crude protein content 26.1% and the crude fiber content 14.7%. The mean ascorbic acid content was 627 mg/100 g, zinc content 5.5m g/100 g and iron content 18 mg/100 g. The men nitrate content was 732.5 mg/100 g, total oxalates 5830 mg/100 g and soluble oxalates 3650 mg/100 g, while the lead content averaged 1.03 mg/100 g. The study concludes that vegetable amaranth has potential as popular vegetable in the diets of Kenyans to significantly contribute to provision of micronutrients, particularly iron and zinc.

What is “Famine Food”? Distinguishing Between Traditional Vegetables and Special Foods for Times of Hunger/Scarcity (Boumba, Niger)

What is “Famine Food”? Distinguishing Between Traditional Vegetables and Special Foods for Times of Hunger/Scarcity (Boumba, Niger)

新潟の食用菊“かきのもと”の胃腸管運動の亢進および二糖類分解酵素阻害作用

新潟の食用菊“かきのもと”の胃腸管運動の亢進および二糖類分解酵素阻害作用

「市」と「直売所」における性格の相違点と今後の展開方向

This study analyzes differences between “Ichi” (Non-Permanent Farmers' Markets, Farmers' Fairs) and “Chokubaijo” (Permanent Farmers' Markets), which are at the center of Agricultural Direct Marketing. Moreover, we clarify “Ichi”s' and “Chokubaijo”s' characteristics, problems, future strategies, and advisable future courses.A case study of Yamagata prefecture reveals the following differences between “Ichi” and “Chokubaijo”: Management (year of establishment, opportunity of establishment, open seasons, locations, annual sales); Farmers and sellers (management, number of farmers, sellers); Items (handling products grown in local areas, handling traditional vegetables); Attributes of customers (age of customers, distance from the point of sale to customers' residences).“Ichi” are regarded as the following types: (1) Advancing into urban areas, (2) Small groups in which women play an important role, (3) Selling local products, and (4) Having elderly neighborhood customers. In contrast, “Chokubaijo” are the following types: (1) Welcoming others into local areas, (2) Large-scale facilities in which non-farmers play an important role, (3) Selling traditional foods, and (4) Having visitors from various areas as customers.Consequently, “Ichi” and “Chokubaijo” have different problems. “Ichi” have problems with competition from “Chokubaijo” and labor shortages because farmers themselves sell the products. “Chokubaijo” are compelled to compete with supermarkets, and face shortages of products, expense burdens, and complaints from consumers because no farmers sell in the facilities.However, we also clarify that few differences exist between “Ichi” and “Chokubaijo” related to future development strategies. It is necessary for “Ichi” and “Chokubaijo” to set their own goals because they have different characteristics and problems. Moreover, “Ichi” and “Chokubaijo” should use their own characteristics to the greatest possible extent.

Indigenous knowledge of the traditional vegetable pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima/moschata) from Zimbabwe

A survey was conducted in four districts of Manicaland province of Zimbabwe on pumpkin(Cucurbita maxima or Cucurbita moschata) to document ethnobotanical knowledge of the pumpkin and to identify the local landraces. Informal surveys for key informants, formal surveys and focus group discussions and other participatory rural appraisal approaches were used in the study. Seven distinct landraces of pumpkin were identified by local names as “Nzunzu”, “Ditimanga”, “Ndodo”, “Hokore”, “Musatani”, “Dasanana”, and “Muzwere”. Landrace “Nzunzu” was the most popular followed by “Ditimanga” and “Ndodo”. The most prevalent landraces by area were “Nzunzu” (65% of respondents), followed by “Ditimanga”, “Hokore” and “Musatani”. One landrace (Musatani), was specifically grown by the local people as a leafy vegetable mainly and was available all year round. Landrace “Nzunzu” had large variegated fruit while “Ditimanga” has large creamy yellow to white fruit. Landraces “Nzunzu”, “Hokore” and “Ndodo” have variegated leaves perceived to be resistant to powdery mildew while the rest of the landraces had plain leaves. The pumpkin is grown mostly in intercrops mainly with maize, (85 % respondents) and was planted and grown mainly in summer (67%) as the crop is damaged by frost. Pumpkin is mainly fertilized by cattle manure and most respondents (62%) do not apply an N side dress to the crop. Leaf harvest started 2 - 3 weeks after emergence in landraces such as “Nzunzu” and “Ditimanga” while the other landraces can be started at about 4 weeks after emergence. The pumpkin leaves are consumed 3 - 4 times a week during the rainy season. The main problem during production of pumpkin was insect pests and diseases. Farmers use mainly retained seed (71.9%) for planting that is stored in any available container in the home. This study highlighted local indigenous knowledge of pumpkins and established a baseline of the cultural practices carried out by smallholder farmers. Key words: Pumpkin, traditional vegetables, landraces, indigenous knowledge, Zimbabwe and participatory approaches.

The Importance of Traditional Leafy Vegetables in South Africa

The use of traditional leafy vegetables in communities has been noted in several studies. These studies highlighted concerns about the loss of knowledge. The aim of this work was to enhance the role of African leafy vegetables in the nutrition of vulnerable groups in South Africa through improved preparation, promotion of consumption, processing, landrace improvement program, and management of their genetic diversity. Researchers needed to establish the extent of the use, conservation status and awareness of these plants, to ensure effective research decisions. The results from these studies are reported on here. Localities that differed in ethnicity and climate were targeted. The data collection phase used a questionnaire survey, rapid and participatory methodologies to collect information from the women. Traditional leafy vegetables were found to be a very important source of food in summer, but especially in winter. Several drying methods are used to ensure the availability of these vegetables during the winter. Pumpkins and cowpeas were the only crops grown, with some of the others occasionally broadcast. The most popular crops for consumption with all the age groups were amaranth and pumpkins, with jute mallow (Chorcorus sp.) and spider plant (Cleome gynandra) popular in the northern areas in South Africa. Where cowpeas were available, they were seen as the most valuable dried leaf product, as they were used as a safety crop due to their long shelf life. Ethnicity and gender had an effect on the use and preferences of the different crops, with men preferring the more bitter taste and women and children preferring the milder taste. Different ethnic groups showed differences in terms of bitterness of the taste and composition of the leaf mixes. In many areas seed systems were poor as the traditional role of keeper of the seed had been lost. Constant downgrading of traditional vegetables and associated knowledge by research and extension had led to the labels of ‘backward knowledge’ and ‘poverty foods’. This led to a shift in food use and willingness of the youth to learn about and eat these crops. Awareness creation contributed to a change in the perceptions amongst the youth and adults, leading to increased demand for information and seed. It was determined that traditional leafy vegetables played an important role in food security in rural South Africa, but the status of the crops, as well as their conservation, need to be addressed to ensure sustainable use.

Traditional knowledge of wild edible plants used in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal): a comparative study.

BackgroundWe compare traditional knowledge and use of wild edible plants in six rural regions of the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula as follows: Campoo, Picos de Europa, Piloña, Sanabria and Caurel in Spain and Parque Natural de Montesinho in Portugal.MethodsData on the use of 97 species were collected through informed consent semi-structured interviews with local informants. A semi-quantitative approach was used to document the relative importance of each species and to indicate differences in selection criteria for consuming wild food species in the regions studied.Results and discussionThe most significant species include many wild berries and nuts (e.g. Castanea sativa, Rubus ulmifolius, Fragaria vesca) and the most popular species in each food-category (e.g. fruits or herbs used to prepare liqueurs such as Prunus spinosa, vegetables such as Rumex acetosa, condiments such as Origanum vulgare, or plants used to prepare herbal teas such as Chamaemelum nobile). The most important species in the study area as a whole are consumed at five or all six of the survey sites.ConclusionSocial, economic and cultural factors, such as poor communications, fads and direct contact with nature in everyday life should be taken into account in determining why some wild foods and traditional vegetables have been consumed, but others not. They may be even more important than biological factors such as richness and abundance of wild edible flora. Although most are no longer consumed, demand is growing for those regarded as local specialties that reflect regional identity.

Medicinal perceptions of vegetables traditionally consumed by South-Asian migrants living in Bradford, Northern England

Dietary habits change rapidly amongst migrant communities in Western countries, and these changes can cause major concerns for public-health policymakers because they frequently lead to increases in diet-related diseases like diabetes. Such is the case in most South-Asian communities in the UK. In this study, we carried out an ethnobiological survey of the vegetables traditionally consumed among the Indian and Pakistani communities of Bradford, in Western Yorkshire, UK. Our purpose was to analyse in depth details of the traditional culinary use of vegetables within these households, and to assess the health perceptions of them. Semi-structured interviews with a total of 150 South-Asian women were carried out. Twenty-five vegetables were recorded, as well as their traditional culinary use and their frequency of use. We found that a few of these vegetables, particularly those presenting bitter or aromatic tastes, were perceived to have remarkable medicinal value particularly against diabetes. Our study also found important generational differences in the women's knowledge of the culinary processes related to these foods, confirming that the consumption of traditional vegetables is inextricably embedded in cultural heritage and the representation of identity among migrants. Our findings may offer evidence of a link between the choice of food and the foods’ perceived medicinal value among South-Asian migrants. It may also provide important information for health care professionals when designing strategies for improving health care counteracting type 2 diabetes. We strongly believe such strategies should take into account socio-cultural components and emic health beliefs, as well as patients’ views of traditional dietary ingredients.

Preliminary assessment of nutritional value of traditional leafy vegetables in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

In this report, we present preliminary nutritional data for traditional leafy vegetables collected in Kwa Zulu-Natal, South Africa, including their content of mineral elements (Ca, P, Na, Zn, Mg, Mn and Fe) and antioxidant levels. Twenty vegetables were studied: Amaranthus dubius, Amaranthus hybridus, Amaranthus spinosus, Asystasia gangetica, Bidens pilosa, Centella asiatica, Ceratotheca triloba, Chenopodium album, Cleome monophylla, Cucumis metuliferus, Emex australis, Galinsoga parviflora, Justicia flava, Momordica balsamina, Oxygonum sinuatum, Physalis viscosa, Portulaca oleracea, Senna occidentalis, Solanum nodiflorum and Wahlenbergia undulata. The results of this study provide evidence that these local traditional vegetables, which do not require formal cultivation, could be important contributors to improving the nutritional content of rural and urban people. From this study, it was determined that twelve leafy vegetables, namely A. dubius, A. gangetica, A. hybridus, A. spinosus, C. metuliferus, C. monophylla, C. triloba, G. parviflora, J. flava, M. balsamina, P. viscosa and W. undulata provide mineral concentrations exceeding 1% of plant dry weight and are much higher than typical mineral concentrations in conventional edible leafy vegetables; they are thus recommended for future commercial cultivation. High levels of antioxidant activity (96%) were noticed in J. flava and P. oleraceae.

Ethnoecology of traditional leafy vegetables of the Luo people of Bondo district, western Kenya

Diversity of traditional leafy vegetables consumed by the Luo people of Nyang'oma, Bondo District, western Kenya, was evaluated in relation to their ecological habitats. The study generally revealed high species diversity within different ecological areas. A total of 60 leafy vegetable species (domesticated and wild) belonging to 47 genera and 29 families were collected. Most of the vegetable species were gathered from the wild but a few were domesticated on farmlands and kitchen gardens. Plant families that comprised most leafy vegetable species were Fabaceae, Amaranthaceae, Acanthaceae, Asteraceae and Solanaceae.

Evaluation of Yardlong Bean as a Potential New Crop for Growers in the Southeastern United States

Ethnicity plays a strong role in niche market development, and the Asian market is currently underserved. As Asian populations continue to grow in Mississippi, especially along the Gulf Coast, it is important to recognize new market opportunities. The fruit and vegetables desired by the diverse Asian population are often unavailable or of poor quality as a result of extensive shipping distances. Mississippi growers can meet this need for fresh Oriental produce at a higher price than traditional vegetables. Yardlong bean or asparagus bean (Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis) is the same species as cowpea. The cultural practices for yardlong bean are similar to that of traditional pole beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). However, there is still much to be learned about this crop in terms of pest management, disease susceptibility, and varietal superiority. The objectives of this research were to compare length and yield of eight yardlong bean varieties and collect observational data regarding production practices. Four replications of eight yardlong bean varieties were grown at Beaumont, MS, during Summer 2001 and 2002. Beans were grown on 4-ft-wide trellises 1 ft above the soil line. Beans were harvested twice per week. Highest marketable yields were attained with the varieties Red Seed and Black Seed, which are best suited for growing conditions in southern Mississippi. However, mosaic viruses may pose a potential production problem, and further research is warranted to determine best cultural practices and pest management.

Marketing of Traditional Vegetables in Cooperation with a Local Restaurant : Case Study of the Ebi-imo - a Traditional Vegetable of Kyoto

Marketing of Traditional Vegetables in Cooperation with a Local Restaurant : Case Study of the Ebi-imo - a Traditional Vegetable of Kyoto