PRODUCTION, MARKETING, NUTRITIONAL VALUE AND USES OF FLUTED PUMPKIN (Telfairia occidentalis Hook. F.) IN AFRICA

Janet O. Alegbejo

Department of Paediatrics

Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria

ABSRACT

Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook. F., Family: Curcubitaceae) have two main varieties in Nigeria: Ugu-ala and Ugu-elu which are widely cultivated in the West and Central Africa. It is called ‘ugu’ by the Igbos, ‘ugwu’ by the Yorubas and ‘ekobon’ by the Cameroonians. Fluted pumpkin grows best in warm humid tropics therefore it is a rain fed crop but can be grown under irrigation. During the rainy season, staking is commonly practiced to reduce disease infection but in dry season there may be no need since diseases are less. The leaves are wrapped in bundles with plantain leaves or loosely covered with old jute sacks and sparingly sprinkled with water for freshness. When it is not possible to bring fresh leaves to the market, the leaves may be blanched and then dried. The dry leaves are in demand during the dry season when fresh leaves are scarce. Fruits are harvested and stored in an open shade for 1- 2.5 months. The nutritional valve, it uses and health benefits are discussed.