Proximate and metal composition of buckwheat groats cultivated in selected town in Enugu State, Nigeria

The proximate and metal content of buckwheat ( Fagopyrum esculentum ) samples obtained from four different villages of Enugu State, Eastern Nigeria was analyzed. Moisture content was determined by oven dehydration method at 105°C. Crude protein was determined using Kjeldhal method, Crude fat was obtained by extraction method using sohxlet. Crude fiber was obtained by Acid and Alkali digestion methods. Ash content was determined in muffle furnace at 550°C for 6 hours. Carbohydrate content was obtained by difference, subtracting the sum of protein, fat, crude fibre and ash percentages from one hundred. Calcium, Sodium, Potassium and Magnesium were determined by flame photometric method while zinc, lead, Cadmium, Copper, Nickel and Chromium were obtained by atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. The results of the present investigation revealed that buckwheat species from the four sampling sites (Abor, Obinagu and Umuagu and Nkwere), showed considerable high concentration of protein, fat, and ash, and low nitrogen free extract and fiber. Gluten content was not detected in all the samples. Moderate amount of potassium and sodium recorded in this study reveals that buckwheat groat is a good source of food for patients with hypertension. Minerals such as calcium, zinc, phosphorus, iron, potassium and sodium were also detected in appreciable amounts. However, buckwheat can be safely eaten by people who have celiac disease as it does not contain gluten. Buckwheat can be a good substitute for wheat, oats, rye and barley in a gluten-free diet. Buckwheat's well-balanced starch, protein, fat and mineral composition has found a renewed interest, particularly among the food scientists. Additionally, its seeds compose proportionately of more starch and less fat content than fellow oil seeds hence can be handled in a similar way like any other staple grains. Being a short-season crop and sustainable characteristic of thriving under drought conditions, it can be a solution for malnutrition alleviation programs, particularly in famine-prone regions. Keywords: Buckwheat, Composition, Groat, Enugu – Nigeria, Mineral, Nutritional Content, Proximate