Tamarind monograph.pdf - Crops for the Future
Tamarind monograph.pdf - Crops for the Future
Tamarind monograph.pdf - Crops for the Future
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2.4 Leaves and Flowers<br />
The leaves are used as a vegetable by indigenous peoples in producing<br />
countries. They contain 4.0-5.8% proteins while <strong>the</strong> flowers contain only 2-<br />
3%. The leaves are also a fair source of vitamin C and beta-carotene and <strong>the</strong><br />
mineral content is high, particularly in potassium, phosphorous, calcium and<br />
magnesium. Leaves contain tartaric acid and maleic acid; <strong>the</strong> latter is found<br />
in excess and increases with <strong>the</strong> age of <strong>the</strong> leaves. Oxalic acid (196<br />
mg/100g) is also present and <strong>the</strong> tender leaves show a good calcium/ oxalate<br />
ratio of 1:1 at pH 4.5. This indicates that <strong>the</strong> leaves are a good source of<br />
calcium, however, <strong>the</strong> presence of oxalic acid may effect <strong>the</strong> nutritive value<br />
(Anon, 1976) (Table 2.10).<br />
Table 2.10 Chemical composition of tender leaves and flowers of<br />
tamarind<br />
Constituent Tender leaves % Flowers %<br />
Moisture 70.5-78.0 80.0<br />
Proteins 4.0-5.8 2.8<br />
Fat/oil 1.2-2.1 1.5<br />
Fibre 1.9-3.0 1.5<br />
Carbohydrates (total) 16.0-18.0<br />
Ash/minerals 1.0-1.5 0.7<br />
Calcium (mg) 101-250 35.5<br />
Magnesium (mg) 71.0<br />
Phosphorus (mg) 140.0 45.6<br />
Iron (mg) 2.0-5.2 1.5<br />
Copper (mg) 2.0<br />
Chlorine (mg) 94.0<br />
Sulphur (mg) 63.0<br />
Thiamine (mg) 0.1-0.2 0.07<br />
Riboflavin (mg) 0.1-0.2 0.14<br />
Niacin (mg) 1.5-4.1 1.14<br />
Vitamin C (mg) 3.0-6.0 13.80<br />
Carotenes (mg) 0.31<br />
Sodium (mg) 8.0<br />
Potassium (mg) 270.0<br />
�-carotene (�g) 2500<br />
Calories (Kcal) 75.0<br />
Oxalic acid (mg) 196.0<br />
Source: Lewis and Neelakantan (1964 a); Anon (1976); Duke (1981)<br />
The leaves are also used as fodder <strong>for</strong> domestic animals and by wild animals,<br />
including elephants. According to Kaitho et al. (1988), crude protein content<br />
of <strong>the</strong> fodder tends to vary with <strong>the</strong> locality and season. Wild animals prefer<br />
tamarind leaves to o<strong>the</strong>r fodders due to its high crude protein (12-15%)<br />
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