CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF INDIGENOUS (NUPE) RICE AND FOREIGN RICE VARIETIES IN BIDA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Owwunabo, Okechukwu Nancy, Abiodun, Abayomi and Mahmud Rasheed

Department of Nutrition and Dietetics

Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria

Email: nancyokechukwun@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The objective of the study was to ascertain the differences in the nutrients composition of imported and locally grown rice in Bida. Four different rice varieties (two locally grown and two imported rice) were evaluated for proximate, some minerals and vitamins and anti-nutrient composition. The local rice varieties contained more moisture, crude fibre, and ash than the foreign varieties, but with no change in carbohydrate content. There were significant difference (P<0.05) in the levels of minerals- phosphorus, calcium, sodium, and minerals in foreign and local rice varieties. The rice varieties also contained anti-nutrients which restrict the complete utilization of the nutrients contained in rice but can easily be destroyed by heat. These results generated might be able to provide vital information on identifying superior quality of rice marketed in Bida, based on their nutrient composition.

Keywords: Rice Varieties, ‘Ofada’, ‘Aroso’, Nutrients, Sensory Properties, Nigeria.