CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SOME LESSER-KNOWN WILD FRUITS AND VEGETABLES CONSUMED IN AYAMELUM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ANAMBRA STATE

ABSTRACT
The study identified some edible fresh wild green leafy vegetables and fruits and determined
their nutrients, antinutrients and food toxicants content. The proximate, micronutrients,
antinutrients and food toxicants contents of these fruits (Olax viridis ("Osenga"),
Gongronema species ("Aado"), Ficus carpensis ("Akankolo"), Napoleona/imperialis
("Ukpodikili"), Afromonum species) ("Okwocha") and vegetables Vitex doniana ("Uchkulu")
and Ficus carpensis) were determined using standard methods. The moisture content of the
fruits ranged from 59.83 to 75.40% in Olax viridis ("Osenga") and Gongronema species,
("Aado") respectively. Olax viridis ("Osenga") fruits had high levels of protein (6.52%),ash
(12.52%),and fibre (13.58%).Fiscus crapensis ("Akankolo") fruit contained appreciable
quantities of ascorbate (36.mg).Gongronema species fruit is rich in iron (23.50mg),
phosphorus (44.66mg), copper (14.06mg) and zinc(12.43mg). The fruits equally contained
high levels of phytate (12.60-108mg) in Gongronema species ("Aado") and Olax viridis
("Osenga").