Chemical and n utrient composition of tomato varieties gr own in Uganda

Abstract

The study determ ined the physico-chemical and nu trien t compositio n of five major varieties of tomato (l ycopersicon
esculantum) grown in l iga rulll. Bush, Money-maker, Maglope, Heinz and I talia tomato variet ies were purchased at the red
r ipe sl:age of matu r i(y frorn Nakasero market, Ka mpala and their pH, total soluble solids, total titra table acidity, proximate
composition, vita min (A and C) and minera l (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, manga nese, copper and
phosphorus) contents were determined. There w:is a sign ifican t difference for the physico-chemical, macro and mic ro
nutrients (P = O.OS) of the tomato var ieties except for the carbohydrate content. Bush variety had a high total soluble solids
conient and pH value indicating that it i~ good for processing of tomato sauce and ketchup. The nutrient composition of the
tomato varieties in terms of pro tein, fa t , miricrnls, fibre and vitamins v ar ied a lot such that there was no single variety
identified as having the highest levels of all these nutr ients. This st udy revealed that some tomato varieties .grown in
Uganda are more impor t:rnt than others in terms of phy.~ ico-chem i cal composition, individual nutrients and overall
utilisation. This could l>e a hasis for selection of these varieties for imp rovement by the breeders.