Biochemical and mineral evaluation of nigerian spinach (Amaranthus Hybridus L.) as influenced by domestic processing procedures
September 9, 2026
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| Article Title: | Biochemical and mineral evaluation of nigerian spinach (Amaranthus Hybridus L.) as influenced by domestic processing procedures |
| Authors: | Bolaji-Fakorede E.O., Adepeju A.B., Fakorede B.M. |
| Affiliation: | Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria |
| Abstract: | This study evaluated the effects of selected domestic blanching procedures on the biochemical and mineral composition of Nigerian spinach (Amaranthus hybridus L.) to identify processing methods that maximize nutrient retention. Fresh spinach leaves were subjected to four blanching treatments: steam blanching without cutting (BAL), hot-water blanching without cutting (CAL), cutting before steam blanching (DAL), and cutting before hot-water blanching (EAL), while untreated leaves (FAL) served as the control. Biochemical and mineral analyses were conducted using standard methods, and data were analyzed using ANOVA and principal component analysis (PCA). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among treatments. Fresh leaves contained the highest concentrations of phenolics, flavonoids, dietary fibre, and minerals. Steam blanching, particularly BAL, retained nutrients more effectively than hot-water blanching, whereas EAL resulted in the greatest nutrient losses. PCA explained 94.0% of the total variation and clearly distinguished treatments based on nutrient retention. The findings indicate that BAL is the most effective domestic processing method for preserving the nutritional quality of Nigerian spinach. |
| Keywords: | Amaranthus hybridus, blanching, nutrient retention, phytochemicals, minerals, nigerian spinach. |
| *Correspondence: | Esther Omasan Bolaji-Fakorede, Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria, Tel. +2349034314174, email: estherbolajimartins@gmail.com |
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