Nutritional Composition and Cyanide Content of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Tuberous Roots from Selected Cultivars in the Pool Department, Republic of Congo
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a tuberous root crop widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, however, cassava roots also contain cyanogenic glycosides. This study aims to characterize the nutritional composition and cyanide content of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) tuberous roots from cultivars selected in three localities of the Pool department, Republic of Congo: Loukoko, Mbanza Nkolo and Ntoula. Analyses focused on water, ash, protein, lipid, total free sugars and hydrocyanic acid (HCN) content. The results reveal a high biochemical variability between cultivars and localities. Water contents range from 53.12% to 69.49%, directly influencing post-harvest conservation. Ash contents (1.02% to 3.8%) indicate a significant mineral richness, particularly in Mbanza Nkolo cultivars. Proteins reach up to 2.94% in some Ntoula cultivars, suggesting improved nutritional potential. Lipids, although low (0.2% to 0.81%), show interesting variations for energy intake. Total free sugars range from 0.2% to 14.9%, influencing palatability and processing possibilities. Regarding cyanide content, all cultivars exceed the safety threshold recommended by FAO/WHO (10 mg/kg), with values up to 93.3 mg/kg. These results highlight the need for appropriate processing practices to ensure food safety. All the data obtained make it possible to identify promising cultivars for direct consumption, agri-food processing or varietal selection, while taking into account the health risks associated with cyanogenic glycosides.
Institution: Marien Ngouabi University
Language: English
Topic: Cassava research and cyanide
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4415663822