MINERALS PROFILE AND PROXIMATE ANALYSIS IN SOME COMMONLY CONSUMED VEGETABLES IN KHARTOUM

This study was carried out to evaluate mineral profile and chemical composition of seven Sudanese vegetables Tomato (Lycopersiconesculentum Mill.), Snake cucumber (Cucumismelo var. flexuosus), Cucumber (Cucumissativus), Carrot (Daucuscarota subsp. Sativus), Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum), Garden rocket (Erucasativa) and Parsley (Apiumpetroselinum). Samples were collected in august 2016 from different markets in Khartoum State - Sudan. Tissues of collected samples were cleaned by tap water and distilled water, then dried, and coarsely powdered and pulverized with a mortar. The essential elements (Mg, Fe, Cu and Zn) were investigated using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FAAS). In addition proximate analyses of moisture, organic content and ash content were conducted as described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC, 2007). Vegetable samples revealed significant variations in mineral contents and proximate analysis. Zinc concentrations ranged between (7.56 - 6.01mg/Kg), with non-significantly difference in concentration values, which were reported in all seven vegetables. Iron and magnesium concentrations were significantly high in leafy vegetables (Garden rocket and Parsley). Significantly high concentration was reported in Carrot. Values reported for Fe, Mg and Cu concentrations ranged between (98.67- 24.05mg/Kg), (2938.57 ? 1136.07mg/Kg) and (3.54 ? 0.95mg/Kg) respectively. Percentages of moisture, organic content and ash content ranged between (0.33- 0.26%), (96.11 ? 95.75%) and (3.54 ? 0.95mg/Kg) respectively. The results showed that almost all vegetables contain appreciable amount of essential nutrients.