Study of Physicochemical Properties of Some Traditional Vegetables in Ivory Coast : Seeds of Beilschmiedia mannii ( Lauraceae ) , Seeds of Irvingia gabonensis ( Irvingiaceae ) and Volvariella volvaceae

Samples of fresh Volvariella volvaceae, dry seeds of Irvingia gabonensis and dry seeds of Beilschmiedia mannii), three traditional vegetables found on the market in Abidjan were studied in relation to their nutrients composition (protein, fat, carbohydrates), energy value, moisture, ash and minerals (Ca, Na, K, Mg, Fe). The results show that: Volvariella volvaceae is mushroom distinguished by its high rate of moisture (81% ± 0.530% fresh matter), high carbohydrate content (79.440% ± 0.24% dry matter) and protein content (17.010% ± 0.04% dry matter) very significant. Mineral composition contains more Na (1.880% ± 0.02% dry matter) and K (1.260% ± 0.12% dry matter). Seed of Irvingia gabonensis is rich in lipid (63.610% ± 0.70% dry matter) but it also contains appreciable levels of carbohydrates (23.250% ± 0.17% dry matter), protein (7.230% ± 0. 80% dry matter) and mineral matter (5.910% ± 0, 30% dry matter). These seeds of Irvingia gabonensis contain more K (0.678% ± 0.01% dry matter) and Ca (0.452% ± 0.09% dry matter). Seed of Beilschmiedia mannii is rich in carbohydrates (92.080% ± 1.20% dry matter), and has a significant protein content (7.160% ± 0.11% dry matter), its mineral composition contains more than K (0.872% ± 0.05% dry matter).


Introduction
Three categories of meats contribute to food in tropical Africa: the staple foods that provide the bulk of the energy ration, accompaniment foods that modify the taste qualities and provide essential elements (minerals, vitamins, supplements protein) and booster foods that take a leading role in welds or famine Vegetables are classified in the second category, namely that of accompaniment foods.The word vegetable is any edible part of a plant, mushroom or algae, which is not sweet to taste.Also the plants supplying the condiments and herbs are included under this name [1].
In Africa about 4000 plant species have the potential to produce food crops [2].African traditional or local vegetables are one part.They are more and more known for their importance in contributing to food security of millions of Africans in rural and urban areas [3].These are the vegetables that the rural African population produces for consumption as local foods.According Rubaihayo [4] they are considered as traditional vegetables for at least two reasons:  Although some of these plants are cultivated, others are easily found and harvested in their natural habitat. Many of these plants have been consumed for many generations, reflecting their importance in local culture.Traditional vegetables contribute significantly the food security of rural and urban populations in many African countries.They have a very high nutritional value.They contain vitamin A, B and C, proteins and minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, iodine and fluorine in varying amounts but adequate for health [5] Traditional vegetables bring to the populations who have at their disposal only some few meat or fish, necessary proteins [6] Our study focuses on the physic-chemical characterization of three traditional vegetables found on the market in Abidjan.These are samples of Volvariella volvaceae (mushroom) seeds of Beilschmiedia mannii and seeds of Irvingia gabonensis.
The total carbohydrate content (23.250% ± 0.17% d.m) is also significant in this traditional vegetable.With a slightly higher rate of carbohydrate to that given by Womeni et al. [14] 19.200% d.m.
The seeds of Irvingia gabonensis have a remarkable mineral content (5.910% ± 0.30% d.m).Its value is lower than that one found by Ekpe et al. [12] 9.500% ± 0.30% d.m, it is above the data of Kouamé and Gnahoua [13] 2.31% d.m.The energy value (707.680± 3.19 cal/100 g d.m) of seeds of Irvingia gabonensis is remarkable.That could be explained by the relatively high levels of fat, protein and total carbohydrate.
Leung et al. [16] gives a calcium content of the Beilschmiedia mannii seeds equal to Ca: 0.258% d.m.A value greater than that found in our study Ca: 0.104% ± 0.02% d.m.

Conclusions
The Volvariella volvaceae (mushroom) have high water content, high carbohydrate content and significant protein content.This mushroom is relatively rich in Na and K.
The seeds of Irvingia gabonensis are rich in fat and contain a level of carbohydrates, protein and mineral matter equally remarkable.The seed of Irvingia contains less Na and more K, Ca, Mg.
Beilschmiedia mannii seeds are a food rich in carbohydrates with significant protein content.The seed of Beilschmiedia mannii contains less Na, Mg and K, Ca.

Table 2 . Mineral composition of vegetables samples.
T he indicated values represent the averages of three determinations (n = 3); % d.m * : % dry matter.