Proximate Composition of Sweet Potato, Yam, Cassava and Potato: an Overview of Literature Data

Chan, Foong Yeng (2020) Proximate Composition of Sweet Potato, Yam, Cassava and Potato: an Overview of Literature Data. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

Root and tuber crops as second important global sources of carbohydrate after cereal play an essential role in human diet. This study provides an overview of published literature data on the proximate composition of root and tuber crops, i.e., sweet potato, yam, cassava and potato, and a secondary data analysis to assess the variations of proximate composition as affected by different publication years, varieties, forms (fresh and dried), drying methods of oven, freeze and sun and geographical origins in Asia, Africa, America and Europe. Among 4 types of root and tuber crops, cassava had the lowest protein content (1.87 ± 0.74%) but the highest carbohydrate content (91.60 ± 1.74%) whereas potato with the highest protein content (10.83 ± 2.71%) contained the lowest carbohydrate (73.50 ± 11.48%) as well. Yam with the second highest protein content (7.62 ± 2.50%) contained second lowest carbohydrate content (83.38 ± 3.37%), whereas sweet potato contained second lowest protein content (5.87 ± 3.16%) and second highest carbohydrate content (85.92 ± 4.17%). Variations in proximate compositions were observed among different varieties and forms of root and tuber crops as well as those published in different time periods. Different drying methods contributed different effects on the nutrient profile of root and tuber crops and become different from their respective fresh samples. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were existed among proximate composition of sweet potato, yam, cassava and potato originated from Asia, Africa, America and Europe but generally no significant different (P > 0.05) was shown in their carbohydrate content, except for potato. This overview of the literature data and through secondary data analysis could enhance the knowledge of readers on the nutrients of major root and tuber crops.