NUTRITIONAL QUALITIES OF SESAME (SESAMUM IDICUM L) LEAVES CONSUMED IN BOKKOS LGA.

ABSTRACTS Sesame (Sesamum indicum L) leave, about 200g were collected and the moisture determined by heating 2g of the sample to a constant weight. Determination of ether extract was also carried out,, nitrogen and crude protein were also determined using kjeldahl apparatus after which the determination of crude fiber was carried out. Determination of ash content was determined by weighing about 2g of pulverized sesame leave sample in a crucible and then placed in a muffle furnace at 6000C for two hours. Percentage nitrogen free extract was calculated base on the moisture, ether extract, crude fiber, crude protein as well as ash was estimated. Determination of carbohydrate was calculated as sum of the % nitrogen free extract and % crude fiber. Results of proximate analyses were as follows: moisture 6.25%, crude protein 29.39%, crude fiber 16.10%, lipids 1.15%, ash 13.70%, M.E 261.55%, NFE 33.41%, calcium 1.98%, and phosphorus 0.07%. From the research work it was concluded that low moisture content of sesame leave found in this research work is an indication that it is to a large extent protected from enzymatic decomposition. In conclusion central Plateau is bestowed with ample natural wealth of pants species, the local people depend on this species for food and medicine to fulfill their nutritional needs.