Proximate Composition, Nutritional Attributes and Mineral Composition of <em>Peperomia</em> <em>pellucida</em> L. (Ketumpangan Air) Grown in Malaysia

• Main Authors: Maznah Ismail, Der-Jiun Ooi, Shahid Iqbal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2012-09-01
• Series: Molecules
• Subjects: <em>Peperomia</em> <em>pellucida</em> proximate composition; mineral profile
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/17/9/11139

This study presents the proximate and mineral composition of <em>Peperomia</em> <em>pellucida</em> L., an underexploited weed plant in Malaysia. Proximate analysis was performed using standard AOAC methods and mineral contents were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. The results indicated <em>Peperomia</em> <em>pellucida</em> to be rich in crude protein, carbohydrate and total ash contents. The high amount of total ash (31.22%) suggests a high-value mineral composition comprising potassium, calcium and iron as the main elements. The present study inferred that <em>Peperomia</em> <em>pellucida</em> would serve as a good source of protein and energy as well as micronutrients in the form of a leafy vegetable for human consumption.