Nutritional Evaluation of Some Kenyan Pumpkins (Cucurbita spp.)

Abstract

The nutritional potential of thirteen varieties of Cucurbita fruits collected from selected regions of Kenya were evaluated for their proximate values, mineral and β-carotene content. The results indicated that the moisture content was high and it varied significantly (p<0.05) among the groups. Ash values were significantly different at (p<0.05) and ranged from 0.63 to 1.67%, crude protein was low in all the pumpkin groups and varied from 0.93 to 2.09%. The pumpkins also varied significantly (p<0.05) in crude fibre content (0.47- 1.95) among the groups. Potassium and sodium were the most prevalentminerals potentially useful amounts of potassium (199-172.3 mg/100g), sodium (56.39-118.28 mg/100g) and other essential minerals. The lowest micro-elements were copper and zinc. The results indicated that there were no significant differences among the groups in the β-carotene content (p<0.05). The nutrient information presented in this report should stimulate the nutritionists and agricultural officers in Kenya to consider the question of recommending the pumpkin to be consumed by adults and children alike in Kenya, including pregnant women and others with higher than normal nutritional requirements