INVESTIGATION OF NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITIONS AND FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF CORN SILK

Abstract: Corn silks (Maydis stigma) are a bundle of silky, long and yellowish and/or white strands which could be seen on top of both baby corn and corn fruit. This study was designed to determine the proximate composition, minerals and functional properties of fresh mature 660 variety (660M), dry mature 660 variety (660D), fresh mature 661 variety (661M) and dry mature 661 variety (661D) as possible source of food. Samples were collected from Lanfero woreda, siltie zone. The determinations of proximate compositions were done using standard methods of analyses of Association Official Analytical Chemists. The metal contents of samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. It was found that the mature stage of 660 variety contained the highest amount of caloric value (167.84Kcal/100g). Fresh mature stage of 661 variety was contained the highest level of protein (7.881%), while 661D sample contained highest fiber content (51.22%). In mineral analysis 660M sample contained the highest level of Ca (342.659 mg/100g), Na (209.439 mg/100g), Cu (26.29mg/100g) and Zn (50.737mg/100g); whereas the concentration of K (363.092mg/100g) and Fe (24.73mg/100g) were highest in the dry 660 variety. The levels of all metals were below the FAO/WHO recommended limits for metals in medicinal plants, cereals, vegetables and fruits. Low concentrations of Cr and absence of Pb (except 661M) and Cd in all the samples are indicates that these plant parts contribute less toxic effects of metals. 660M had the highest foaming stability (17.361%) and dispersibility (71.069%), while 661D had a greater water absorption capacity (2.76 ml/g). The results generally showed that this corn part is the main sources of carbohydrate, fiber, essential elements and safe for human and animal consumption.