Proximate and Mineral Content of Fruits of Some Cucumber Varieties Cultivated Under NPK Fertilizer in Ado-Ekiti

Abstract

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is consumed all over the world and in all parts of Nigeria for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. This research involved the assessment of the nutritional contents of fruits of five cultivars of Cucumis sativus (Monalisa, Greengo, Saira, Nandini and Lily) grown under NPK fertilizer application in Ado-Ekiti. The proximate and mineral analyses of the harvested fruits were investigated using conventional analytical technics. The results of proximate analysis indicated that marked variations (P≤ 0.05) existed in the moisture content of all the five varieties. Nandini had the highest moisture content of 93.25 %. Interestingly, no significant differences were discovered in the Ash, Fat, and Crude Fibre composition among all the varieties evaluated. However, Monalisa recorded the highest crude protein composition (2.81 %) among the varieties investigated. Meanwhile, Saira had the highest carbohydrate composition (3.14 %), while Monalisa and Nandini recorded the lowest significant carbohydrate composition of 1.80 and 1.66% respectively. The results of mineral analysis also showed that significant variations exist in the micronutrients. The concentration of Sodium and Calcium were found to be the highest in Nandini with values of 17.25 and 206.50 ppm respectively, while Lily (13.73 ppm) and Monalisa (158.40 ppm) recorded the lowest Sodium and Calcium composition. Monalisa recorded the highest potassium content (462.55 ppm). The results also revealed that Saira had the highest magnesium composition (21.36 ppm) and Lily had the lowest value (15.81 ppm). All the five varieties had appreciable proximate and mineral contents. However, Greengo, Nandini and Monalisa varieties could be preferred due to their comparatively higher proximate and mineral composition in most cases.