Vitamin and Antinutrient Composition of Kale (Brassica oleracea) Grown in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the vitamin and antinutrient composition of Kale (Brassica oleracea) grown in Delta State, Nigeria. Fresh Kale leaves Fresh kale leaves were obtained at Ogbogonogo market in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. Random selection of leaves was done by purchasing from randomly selected sellers in the market. The purchased leaves were cleaned by washing with clean water to remove dirt and other contaminants and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Vitamins present in kale include vitamin C (23.43 mg/100 g), vitamin E (4.06 mg/100 g) and vitamin A (11.25 mg/100 g). Antinutrient content of kale was found to be in very minute amounts: Phytate (0.12 mg/100 g), oxalate (0.08 mg/100 g), tannin (0.15 mg/100 g). Based on the findings from this study, kale (Brassica oleraceae), though a lesser known vegetables, has enormous nutritional potentials. Therefore numerous homemakers and others who habitually cook with common vegetables are encouraged to see the need for diversification so as to tap into the benefits of other lesser known vegetable such as Kale.