Vol. 9 No. (2): 32 - 40 (2018): Comparative Nutritional Compositions of Raw and Processed Tiger Nuts (Cyperus esculentus L.)

Cyperus esculentus L., commonly known as Tiger nut, is a crop of the sedge family found
widespread across the world. Comparative nutritional compositions of raw and processed
(dankuwa, tiger nut cake) tiger nuts were carried out according to the standard methods.
Raw and processed tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus L.) was found to contain high fat, crude
fiber, carbohydrate contents but low moisture content. The result of the proximate analysis
revealed that the moisture contents of raw tiger nuts (9.67percent), crude fat
(28.61percent) and crude fiber (24.94 percent) were significantly (p<0.05) higher than,
those of the processed tiger nut; (7.86%), (25.53%) and (22.34%) respectively. However,
the ash (3.00%), and carbohydrate (35.46%), contents of processed tiger nut was
significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of the raw tiger nuts; (1.61 %) and (25.53 %)
respectively. The Sodium (218.04mg/100g) and Calcium (0.65 mg/100g) contents of raw
tiger nuts were significantly (p<0.05) higher when compared to Sodium (139.53mg/100g)
and Calcium (0.00) contents of processed tiger nuts while the Potassium (38600.46
mg/100g), Iron (10.9), Copper (0.45mg/100g) and Zinc (7.85 mg/100g) contents of
processed tiger nuts were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of the raw tiger nuts
(1225.50mg/100g), (6.15mg/100g), (0.40 mg/100g) and (4.10mg/100g) respectively. The
vitamin C (103.5mg/100g) and vitamin A (0.38mg/100g) contents of raw tiger nut were
significantly (p<0.05) higher to those, vitamin C (93.16 mg/100g) and vitamin A
(0.16mg/100g) contents of processed tiger nut. It can be concluded from the results of this
study that raw and processed (dankuwa) tiger nut contain appreciable amounts of micro
and micronutrients which could be included in the daily dietary pattern of human. This will
help to minimize the risk of nutritional deficiencies.