Nutrients in Musa and Manihot from Iita : EVALUATION OF THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND FLOUR YIELD POTENTIALS OF SOME NEW NIGERIAN PLANTAIN AND BANANA AND CASSAVA CULTIVARS

The nutritional quality of six new Nigerian plantain, banana and cassava bred by IITA were evaluated. These included carbohydrate, protein, fat, crude fibre, ash, and moisture content. Other traits evaluated were carotenoids as an index of vitamin A content, minerals, including calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. The shelf life of the flour produced from different varieties of plantain, banana and cassava were also assessed. This study also investigated the baking potentials of different Musa and Manihot species used. The study shows that the cultivars of plantain, banana and cassava investigated are rich in various nutrients and are therefore recommended for human consumption and also as important plants for breeding. Food products developed from various cultivars can also constitute important products for domestic and export markets. The cultivars investigated are therefore recommended for distribution to farmers in Africa in line with Federal Government of Nigeria and IITA policy on agriculture, NEPAD initiatives on agricultural development, and Food Security measures of the Millennium Development Goals.