Abstract:
Sri Lanka faces the dual challenge of food insecurity and malnutrition. In
this context, the nutritional importance of underutilized vegetables (UUVs) cannot be
understated. Present study addresses the question on nutritional profiles of UUVs
commonly found in Sri Lanka and their potential to eradicate nutrient deficiencies
and improve overall dietary quality. A survey was conducted representing randomly
selected 50 families as sample population, in Harispattuwa Divisional Secretariat
(DS) of Kandy District via a questionnaire to collect information on UUVs, and their
awareness on nutritional properties. Above DS was chosen for research due to its em-
phasis on suburban UUVs, contrasting with the numerous studies conducted in rural
areas. Five vegetables; “Maila” [Bauhinia racemosa (L.)],“Kaluala kola” [Colocasia
esculenta(L.)], “Karan Koku” [Acrostichum aureum (L.)], “Kara” [Canthium coro-
mandelicum (Burm.f.)] and “Mella” [Olax zeylanica (L.)] were reported as the rarely
consumed vegetables indicated by 2-6% of lower responses. Protein, carbohydrate
and crude fire contents were determined using Bradford assay, Phenol-sulphuric acid
and Weende methods, respectively. Elemental analysis was done using AAS method.
The protein content was highest in “Kaluala kola” (8%) compared to the commonly
consuming vegetables like pumpkin (1%), leeks (2%) and green beans (2%) as per
literature. Carbohydrate contents were significantly high in “Karan koku” (19%) in
contrast with carbohydrate amounts in commonly consuming vegetables like “Gotu-
kola” (7.03%), “Katuru murunga” (9.81%) and “Mugkunuwanna” (10.76%). Higher
crude fiber was recorded for “Malla” (69%) relative to the availability of it in common
vegetables like carrot (3%) and drumstick (3%). “Maila” (488 mg/100g), “Kaluala
kola” (295 mg/100g) and “Karan koku” (192 mg/100g) respectively showed high con-
tent of Ca, Fe and K. Integrating UUVs into the Sri Lankan diet augments nutrient
intake.
