Effect of maturity, position of leaves and post harvest storage on the nutritional composition and organoleptic qualities of amaranthus

Abstract

A study was undertaken to estimate the nutritional composition and organoleptic qualities of red and green varieties of Amaranthus tricolor during rainy and summer seasons with respect to maturity, position of leaves and post harvest storage. The concentration of the nutrients was highest when harvested around 20 days after transplanting. The protein content of the leaves was not influenced by location of leaves, irrespective of seasons and varieties. Variation in concentration of fibre was observed in different parts of the plant during summer season. Contents of minerals and ascorbic acid were varying significantly in leaves located in different parts of the plant. The green variety retained higher level of nutrients during the two seasons. Red amaranth us grown during summer season was found to be more acceptable. Refrigeration was found to be the best method of storage compared to keeping in polythene bag, dipping the roots in water and wet doth storage for different duration. Storage for different durations had no effect on nutrients except ascorbic acid.