Regional Variation in Nutritional Composition of Colocasia esculenta (L.) Leaves and Corms in Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Introduction: Colocasia esculenta (L.), a tuber crop commonly known as taro in English and arvi or kachalu in Hindi.

Objectives: The present  study investigate the  regional variation in the proximate and mineral analysis of Colocasia esculenta (L.) leaves and corms collected from diverse agro-climatic zones i.e. Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur  of Himachal Pradesh.

Methods: Proximate composition and energy was analysed using standard protocols. Mineral analysis done using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS).

Results: Significant differences were observed in proximate parameters and mineral analysis across eight samples.  Sample WL (86.15%) and WC (73.45%) from the wild habitat of Kangra exhibit the highest moisture content. In contrast, KL and BC samples showed reduced moisture, suggesting superior dry matter accumulation and enhanced storability. Ash content ranged from 12.03% to 13.83% in leaves and 6.36% to 7.48% in corms, reflective of variable mineral content. Crude fat and fibre significantly higher in leaves than corms, with leaves (HL&WL) showing values of 4.31% and 35.25% respectively. Corms of traditional cultivar collected from Kangra region exhibit the highest food energy value (368.90 kJ/100g). Correlation analysis revealed significant inverse association between moisture and both carbohydrate (r= -0.950**) and energy content (r= -0.946**). Additionally, ash, crude fat and fibre displayed strong negative correlations with both carbohydrate and energy content. Mineral profiling indicated considerable variation across samples, with potassium (0.11-1.81%) being the most abundant macronutrient, followed by magnesium and phosphorus. Among micronutrient, iron (64.4-480.15mg/kg) was predominant, followed by zinc, manganese and copper.

Conclusions: These findings emphasize the nutritional richness and regional diversity of C. esculenta, suggesting its potential in enhancing food and nutritional security.