Nutrient Content of Bamboo Shoots from Selected Species in Kenya

Information on nutrient composition of bamboo shoots is scanty despite being used as vegetables in some parts Kenya. In this study, the content from selected exotic species (Dendrocalamus giganteus, Dendrocalamus membranaceus, Dendrocalamus asper, Oxytenanthera abyssinica and Bambusa vulgaris) growing various agro-climatic regions Kenya were determined. The study aimed at determining nutritional potential order to evaluate their suitability for enhancing food and nutrition security. This will turn enhance value conservation, utilization, contribution economic development rural poverty reduction. Samples analysed proximate composition, minerals, vitamin, calorific values using standard procedures. Moisture levels ranged 89.9% 92.1%. On dry weight basis, crude fibre between 17.6% 34.8%, protein 18.9% 38.7%, ash 9.3% 12.8%. wet vitamin C 2.03 4.17mg/100g, riboflavin 0.02mg/100g 0.05/100g, niacin (B3) 0.19mg/100 0.08mg/100g. basis Magnesium 0.09mg/100g 3.31mg/100g, Aluminium 28.27mg/100g 47.34mg/100, Calcium 2.33mg/100g 31.25mg/100, Iron 0.83mg/100g 5.31mg/100, Copper 0.15/100 0.19mg/100g, Zinc 0.10mg/100g 1.95mg/100, Sodium 4.49mg/100g 9.51mg/100g Potassium 1.77mg/100g 236.73mg/100g. Calorific 393.99Kcal/100g 464.86Kcal/100g. findings terms fibre, minerals make a meal consideration Kenyan households.