Improved varieties have agronomic advantages over local varieties,but not much attention has been given to understand the nutritional content of the improved cowpea varieties released in Swaziland. This study investigated the physical and nutritional properties of improved cowpea varieties released in Swaziland. Five improved varieties (IT-04K-321-2, IT-97K-390-2, IT-18, IT-16, and IT-99K-494-6) and one local variety (Mtilane, as check) were analyzed for physical and chemical properties. The results showed that there were variations in seed weight as the values ranged between 12.5 and 18.5 g per 100 g seed weight. The protein content ranged from 25.38% to 27.56% with no significant difference (P < 0.05) between the improved varieties  and the local variety, ash content ranged between 3.47 and 6.84%, crude fiber was between 5.81 and 15.08%, and carbohydrate ranged from 45.64 to 57.12%.  Contents of calcium ranged from 9 to 36 mg/100 g and of iron from  2.0 to 2.4 mg/kg, with significant differences (P  < 0.05)  between the varieties with highest and the lowest values. Zinc content ranged from 7 mg/kg to 8 mg/kg, with no significant difference (P >0.05) among the varieties. The improved varieties have high seed weight, which is an essential factor that farmers consider when choosing a variety to adopt. In terms of addressing nutritional security, the crop is suitable for addressing protein-energy malnutrition and formulating blends for baby foods in Swaziland.

The effects of vegetable type, vegetable dimensions, and solar drier load on dehydration rate; and texture, color, water activity, and carotene content of solar-dried carrots, sweet potatoes, and collard greens were studied. Mean dehydration rates (moisture loss,%/hr) for solar dried loads of 430 g/m2 and 715 g/m2 were 3.3 +/- 0.30% and 3.8 +/- 0.20% for carrots and sweet potatoes, respectively. Loads of 360 g/m2 and 465 g/m2 of collard greens had dehydration rates of 6.3 +/- 0.10% moisture loss per hr. The results showed that vegetable type accounted for significant differences (p < 0.01) in dehydration rate, and beta-carotene content. Vegetable dimensions affected (p < 0.05) water activity. Solar drier load affected water activity (p < 0.01), and hue angle (p < 0.05). Beta-carotene contents (dry basis) of dehydrated carrot, sweet potato, and collard treatments were 10.9-17.4%, 7.6-9.8%, and 11.9-21.5%, respectively. Among the carrot treatments, the 5-mm thick slices packed at a load of 715 g/m2 contained the highest beta-carotene (17.4%, dry basis) and vitamin A activity (362 IU/g, dry basis), and good physical properties. For collard greens, the 2-cm and 3-cm wide strips packed at 360 g/m2 loads had the best combinations of high beta-carotene (21.5% and 17.2%, dry basis, respectively), vitamin A activity (357.2 and 293.1 IU/g, dry basis, respectively), and optimal color, texture, and water activity. Beta-carotene losses due to solar dehydration were 48.9-67.5%, 4.0-5.8%, and 1.9-19.8% (dry basis) in carrots, sweet potato and collard greens, respectively.

No abstract