Nutrients, carotenoids and mineral compositions of the leaf vegetables Amaranthus viridis L. and A. caudatus L.

Abstract

The proximate analyses and levels of carotenoids and minerals in the leaves of Amaranthus viridis L. and A. caudatus L. were measured. A. viridis leaves were composed of 32.2% crude protein, 11.2% fibre, 3.68% fat, 18.7% ash and a gross energy of 4.19 kcal g while in A. caudatus the crude protein content was 27.2%, fibre 11.1%, fat 5.40%, ash 20.1% and a gross energy of 4.66 kcal g all on a dry matter basis. The A. viridis leaves were superior to those of A. caudatus in the chlorophylls and carotenes contents and vitamin A potency. There were very high P concentrations in both leaves, with the value in A. viridis about 18% higher than in A. caudatus. Na level in A. caudatus was low and there was a particularly high K concentration.