Evaluation of the Nutritional Status of Two Edible Mushroom Species in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

Studies on the nutritional composition of two edible mushroom species namely Pleurotus sajo-caju Fr. and Lentinus squarosulus Mont. in Ekiti State, Nigeria were carried out. Standard analytical methods were used to obtain the proximate and mineral composition of the mushrooms. Results of proximate analysis showed that P. sajo-caju contained 6.61% of moisture, 1.11% of fat, 4.17% of ash, 26.25% of protein, 0.17% of crude fiber and 61.70% of carbohydrate while L. squarrosulus contained 9.77% of moisture, 2.41% of fat, 4.30% of ash, 16.67% of protein, 0.26% of crude fiber and 66.61% of carbohydrate. The percentage of fat and crude fiber was generally low. Results of mineral analysis revealed high concentrations of potassium (577.42mg/100g in P. sajo-caju and 789.67mg/100g in L. squarrosulus) and calcium (165.15mg/100g in P-sajo-caju and 285.15mg/100g in L. squarosulus). Other minerals were present in appreciable amounts, the least being manganese (1.26mg/100g) in P. sajo-caju and copper (0.90mg/100g) in L. squarrosulus. However, lead and nickel were below detection limits in the two mushroom species. These results show that these mushrooms are good sources of proximate components and minerals needed for maintenance of good health.

Keywords:  proximate composition, mineral composition, mushroom, Ekiti state.