Author(s): Halabo Hazo, Admasu Yirgalem
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is one of the globally important root crops. In this study the comparison of nutritional status for white fleshed sweet potato (Awassa-83, Awassa-09, Berkume, Beletech and Tola) varieties were determined. The nutritional values of five sweet potato varieties were significantly (p<0.05) varied due to cultivar variation. The experimental design was arranged in randomized complete block design with triplications. The data obtained was analyzed by SAS version 9.1 and means separation were compared by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The result revealed that the moisture content ranged between 61.45-68.83%, 0.213-0.58 mg/100 g of crud ash, 0.225-259 mg/100 g of crude fiber, 0.11-0.24 mg/100 g of crude fat, 1.24-85 mg/100 g of crude protein, 29.17-35.65 mg/100 g of carbohydrate and 124.24-152.6 Kcal/100 g of total energy. From the results obtained this study concluded that the Beletech variety has high nutritional value than other four varieties. Since it has potential to source good nutrients among five sweet potato varieties, more emphasis should be given for its cultivation in agricultural sectors as well as farmers land. It is also highly recommended that all variety should be conducted further study in its anti-nutritional factors like phytate, oxalate and tannin which are important issue related to healthy consumption.
