Abstract:
In Ethiopia, Enset (Ensete Ventricosum) is an indigenous perennial crop cultivated which is dominantly within the south and southwestern highlands. There are numerous enset varieties or clones mostly produced for the starch from the pseudo-stem while some are exclusively cultivated for corm. Kocho, corm (amicho), and Bulla are the most food products of enset. The corm (Neqaqa) found to be more nutritious than bulla except in starch and zinc contents. Enset is rich in starch but low in protein composition. Therefore, dietary protein source is mandatory. It plays great role within the food security of the country and a staple food significantly in Ethiopian. Furthermore, it has several environmental, nutritional, and socio-cultural importance. However, its cultivation is under disease challenges. Continual attempt is required to enhance the assembly of enset and its food products and fiber processing. Enset could be a drought tolerant crop, traditionally grown in Ethiopia. Currently, Enset has various benefits such as food, fodder, fibres and traditional medicine. Being perennial, enset recovers local climate and soil conditions. It could contribute to improved food security in several drought-prone parts of the planet. Water content was high, 85 to 90%, which is useful when used as fodder during dry periods. Enset corm comparable or higher concentration than potato of 12 of those contained 17 of 20 amino acids. The pseudo-stem, the most food source, was rich in soluble carbohydrates (80%) and starch (65%), but had low protein content (4%). Among the best available in Ethiopia, 20% crude fibre. Leaves had 13% protein and 10% sugar a decent fodder and suitable for ensilage. Therefore, Enset based diet must be supplemented with protein and complementary amino acids; for instance from beans, which are suitable to intercrop with enset.
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