DETERMINATION OF PROXIMATE AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF JUTE LEAVES (CORCHORUS OLITORIUS)

This study evaluated the mineral and proximate composition of Corchorus olitorius (jute leaves) to assess its nutritional significance. Mineral analysis revealed the presence of zinc (0.032 ± 0.001 ppm), iron (1.088 ± 0.004 ppm), copper (0.014 ± 0.000 ppm), and manganese (0.388 ± 0.002 ppm), while chromium was not detected. Proximate analysis showed that the leaves contained 20.22 ± 0.146% moisture, 8.46 ± 0.023% ash, 6.30 ± 0.004% lipid, 9.25 ± 0.690% fiber, 13.85 ± 0.098% protein, and 41.92 ± 1.012% carbohydrate. The results indicate that C. olitorius is a valuable source of essential minerals and nutrients, particularly iron and protein, which are beneficial in preventing malnutrition and iron-deficiency anemia. The relatively high carbohydrate and fiber contents further suggest its role in energy provision and digestive health, while the low lipid content makes it suitable for low-fat diets. These findings confirm the nutritional importance of jute leaves and support their wider utilization in local diets and public health nutrition programs.