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

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• &lt;em&gt;Peperomia&lt;/em&gt; &lt;em&gt;pellucida&lt;/em&gt;
• proximate composition
• mineral profile