Evaluation of nutritional quality of torch ginger (Etlingera elatior Jack.) inflorescence

The inflorescence of torch ginger (Etlingera elatior Jack., Family Zingiberaceae) was analyzed to identify its nutritional and anti-nutritional contents. The inflorescence had significant amount of crude protein (12.6%), fat (18.2%) and fiber content (17.6%). Fatty acid profile was composed with high level of unsaturated fatty acids (palmitoleic acid 16.4% linoleic acid 14.5% Oleic acid 5.2%). The amino acid profiles revealed the presence of essential amino acids dominated by leucine and lysine (7.2 and 7.9 mg/100 mg protein, respectively). The inflorescence contained major minerals like: K (1589 mg/100 g), Ca (775 mg/100g), Mg (327 mg/100 g), P (286 mg/10 0g) and S (167 mg/100 g). The levels of antinutrients analyzed were 3496 and 2851 mg/100g for saponin and phytic acid, respectively. The heavy metals analyzed (Cd, As, Pb, Hg, Ni) were below detection limits. Results obtained confirm the usefulness of torch ginger inflorescence as a potential functional food and could be further explored in new food products and formulations.