Corchorus oliterius (Kplala), Spinacia oleraceae (Spinach), and Amaranthus tricolor (Brombrou) Leaves Consumed in the City of Man, Côte d’Ivoire: Biochemical and Microbiological Characterization

The objective of this study was first to identify the different species of leafy vegetables most consumed in the city of Man. Then to determine some biochemical parameters and finally to evaluate the microbiological quality of these leafy vegetables. To do this, a survey was initiated among the women of the said city. The survey conducted among the population made it possible to identify three leafy vegetables (Corchorus olitirius, Spinacia oleracea and Amaranthus tricolor) which are the most consumed. Parameters such as pH, moisture, ash, fibers, lipids and total carbohydrates as well as total aerobic mesophyll flora were analyzed in these leafy vegetables using standard and referenced methods. The frequency of consumption of leaves by the population surveyed revealed that 42% of the families questioned consume the leaves 2 or 3 times per week. The analyses carried out indicate that the leaves analyzed have pH values ranging from 5.33 ± 0.82 to 5.90 ± 0.65; moisture content ranging from 80.44 ± 0.97 to 90.28 ± 1.68%) and ash content ranging from 0.79 ± 0.01 to 0.95 ± 0.01%. Biochemical analyses indicate that leafy vegetables have high carbohydrates (70.17 ± 0.15 to 80.14 ± 0.31%), fibers (15.51 ± 0.21 to 0.75 ± 0.09%) and lipids (2.06 ± 1.01 to 9.4 ± 0.715) contents. Regarding the microbiological analysis, the Total Aerobic Mesophyll Flora reveals a satisfactory microbiological quality (3.81.10³ to 6.10³ CFU/mL). All these results have made it possible to highlight some compounds of dietary interest contained in these leaves.