IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

International Journal of Agriculture and Earth Science (IJAES )

E- ISSN 2489-0081
P- ISSN 2695-1894
VOL. 11 NO. 2 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijaes.vol.11.no2.2025.pg151.167

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Analysis of Pretreatment Effect on the Chemical Composition of Tender and Matured Fronds of Vegetable Fern (Diplazium esculentum) in Nigeria

Nsidibe Nduenie Umodioh, Aniekpeno Isaac Elijah, PhD

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Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of pretreatment on the chemical composition of tender and matured vegetable fern fronds in Nigeria. Fresh tender and matured fronds of vegetable fern were obtained from Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. The plant was identified in the herbarium, Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo. The study adopted experimental research design to systematically analyze the effect of pretreatment on the proximate, mineral, vitamin and energy value of vegetable fern fronds. Results indicated that fresh fronds (untreated sample) of both tender and matured samples had significantly (P < 0.05) higher proximate, mineral and vitamin compositions than pretreated samples. The protein, ash, fibre as well as mineral contents of matured fronds (both treated and untreated) were significantly higher than that of the tender sample. Blanched samples significantly (P < 0.05) had highest fibre contents in tender (16.44%) and matured (18.11%) fronds. However, the vitamin composition of tender fronds (both treated and untreated) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of matured sample. The control sample (fresh vegetable fern fronds) was not significantly (p < 0.05) different from shade dried sample (13.39 mg/100g) but had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher vitamin A content than hot water blanched (12.66 mg/100g), sun dried (12.64 mg/100g) and oven dried (12.06 mg/100g) samples which were not significantly different from one another. From the findings of the study, fresh tender vegetable fern fronds is recommended for consumption for maximum nutrient benefit. Shade drying should be employed in the pretreatment of vegetable fern to ensure its availability both in and out of season.

keywords:

Pretreatment, Chemical composition, Fronds, Vegetable fern (diplazium

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