Determination of Proximate Composition and Anti-Nutritional Content of Cassava in Jimma Zone Ethiopia

Abstract

Cassava is a dominant staple food for many developing countries, particularly, in humid and sub-humid tropics. In this study, the proximate composition and cyanide content of cassava tuber grown in Jimma Zone were investigated. Cassava samples were collected from five selected Woredas (Districts) of the Zone, where the plant usually grows. Nutritional compositions such as crude fat, protein, and fiber as well as cyanide contents were considered in this study. Accordingly, the crude fat, protein, and fiber content of the studied cassava root ranged from1.38-3.06%, 1.32-1.90%, and 1.58-2.96%, respectively. The results of the nutritional composition of analyzed cassava root samples were rich in crude fat, protein, fiber, and carbohydrate. The level of cyanide gives its value compared to the limits set by the World Health Organization was low and it may not cause harmful effect on human health.