Types of indigenous vegetables consumed, preparation, preferences and perceived benefits in Ghana

Abstract

Indigenous vegetables (IVs) are rich sources of essential nutrients, particularly vitamins and minerals, and other non-nutritive phytochemicals. IVs play a critical role in the food culture of the Ghanaian people. Despite their importance, they have over the years been mostly associated with the resource-poor. In this study, the types of IVs, preparation preferences, frequency of consumption and some perceived benefits ascribed by some Ghanaian consumers (n = 1393) were investigated in a cross-sectional survey. Descriptive analysis and a chi-square test of independence were conducted to summarise and determine the relationship between gender, age and consumption frequency of the IVs. The study identified okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) leaves, jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius) and garden egg (Solanum melongena) as the popular IVs consumed by respondents. Among these, about 13.3% of women and 15.3% of men indicated they consume okra. Eight per cent of the women respondents and 6.7% of the men consumed jute mallow. Almost 57% of the respondents said the IVs were used to prepare stew and soup. More than a third (39%) of the respondents indicated that they consumed the IVs either daily or more than once a week. Women respondents’ frequency of IVs consumption was significantly different [X2 (4, n = 1393) = 30.11, p = 0.000] from the men. The frequency of consumption of IVs for the elderly was significantly higher [X2 (12, n = 1393) = 30.53, p = 0.002] as compared to the younger respondents. The main perceived benefits of IVs were nutrition- and health-related. The major barriers to the consumption of IVs were cost, non-availability, palatability and cultural. The IVs were largely wet-cooked and consumed as stews or sauces and soups. These findings form good bases for further empirical studies on the nutritional and other health-benefiting attributes of the specific IVs found in this study for sustainable promotion and utilisation in Ghana.

Assessment of food hygiene and safety knowledge, attitude, and practices of fruit and vegetable vendors in the Ho central market, Ghana

“…Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of vitamins and minerals that help in promoting good health [ [1] , [2] , [3] ]. Local markets serve as the primary centers for the distribution of fruits and vegetables [ [4] , [5] , [6] , [7] , [8] , [9] , [10] ].…”

Nutrition knowledge, cooking practices, and consumption of indigenous leafy vegetables among households in Sagnarigu Municipality, Ghana

“…As a result, they are one of the cheapest and most readily available vegetables consumed in many African homes (Kwenin et al, 2011). Some available IGLVs found in Northern Ghana are Amaranth leaves (locally called "aleefu"), moringa leaves, okro leaves ("mana mahili"), baobab leaves ("kuuka"), kenaf leaves ("bra"), cowpea leaves, pumpkin leaves and jute leaves ("ayoyo") (Abu-Ja-Jah, 2020; Amagloh & Nyarko, 2012;Atuna et al, 2022). However, although these IGLVs are available, they are often poorly utilised partly due to diminishing or lack of knowledge (Dlamini & Viljoen, 2020;Dweba & Mearns, 2011).…”