Nutrition Properties And The Prospect Of Six Amorphophallus Species Of Tubers In Java

Amorphophallus is perennial tuber crop and a member of the Araceae family. There are eight species of Amorphophallus in Java, i.e. Amorphophallus annulifer Hett., A. decus-silvae Backer & Alderw., A. discophorus Backer & Alwerw., A. muelleri Blume, A. paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson, A. sagittarius Steen is, A. spectabilis (Miq.) Engl. and A. variabilis (Blume), of which two are widely cultivated in Java, viz. A. muelleri Blume and A. paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson. The former is frequently cultivated in some regions in West Java and in East Java. The latter is only cultivated in Central Java. Nutrition properties of six species of Amorphophallus (except A. sagittarius Steenis and A. spectabilis (Miq.) Engl.) was analyzed. The results showed that the chemical content, i.e. fat, protein, amylose, amylopectin, glucomannan, Ca, Fe, P and Vitamin Bl, of the six species of Amorphophallus are almost equal. This shows that all species have potential prospect as food alternative. However, further research on the physical characterization, non-nutritious properties and food processing should be carried out. Proceeding of the International Seminar Current Issues and Challenges in Food Safety: Science-Based Approach for Food Safety Management. Bogor, December 2-3 2009. hal. 299-306