Nutritional and mineral composition of Amaranthus caudatus leaves in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Amaranthus caudatus (Amaranth) is a reliable crop that thrives in diverse conditions, including moisture stress and waterlogging. It is highly tolerant of arid environments and faces few plant diseases, making it an important food crop. This study aimed to determine the levels of certain metals and the nutritional value of Amaranthus caudatus leaves grown in the Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Samples were collected from three areas (Boloso Bombe, Abala Abaya, and Areka) in August 2023. Metal determination was performed using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentrations of the metals (in mg/100 g) were: Mg (47.61–50.26), K (240.43–264.51), Ca (220.64–232.82), Cr (0.0120 – 0.0298), Mn (6.80–8.88), Fe (7.01–8.44), Cu (4.82–6.01), and Zn (1.93–3.44) which are generally consistent with or higher than those reported in other studies, indicating that Amaranthus caudatus is a significant accumulator of essential metals. The proximate analysis ranges are as follows: moisture content (13.72–19.16 %), protein content (12.87–18.36 %), crude fiber content (9.79–11.63 %), crude fat content (3.993–7.14 %), total ash content (1.693–5.93 %), carbohydrate content (38.76–57.91 %), and energy value (292.82–319.10 kcal/100 g). The study revealed that Amaranthus caudatus leaves are nutrient-dense, containing essential metals and beneficial for a balanced diet. Notably, while the seeds of Amaranthus caudatus are typically preferred in the locality, the leaves are not commonly consumed. This study aims to raise awareness about the nutritional benefits of the leaves, encouraging their inclusion in the local diet for a more balanced nutrition.