Cyanogenic glucoside content of fresh and processed peels of four improved cassava cultivars

Abstract

The cyanogenic glycoside levels of the four relatively new Ghanaian cassava cultivars were determined spectrophotometrically. The mean values obtained were 393.8, 548.9, 702.1 and 424.7 ppm for Afisiafi, Abasafitaa, IITA9904 and Tech Bankye respectively. The effects of sun-drying and a combination of soaking and sun-drying on the cyanogenic glycoside content were investigated. Soaking in water for 24 hr followed by sun-drying for 24 hr resulted in a 63-74 % reduction in cyanogenic glycoside levels compared with 27- 64 % reduction after sun-drying for 48 hr. The results showed a significant reduction in cyanide potential of all the varieties following sun-drying and the combination of soaking and sun-drying (p<0.05). The combination of soaking and sun-drying was more effective than the sun-drying alone.