Comparison of Nutritional Composition in Red and Green Strains of Kappaphycus Alvarezii Cultivated in Gorontalo Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Kappaphycus alvarezii is the most widely grown seaweed known by the commercial name “cottoni.” Several types or strains of K. alvarezii are grown in Indonesia, and each has a different appearance. There were red K. alvarezii, and green K. alvarezii collected from cultivation sites in Gorontalo Province, Sulawesi, Indonesia. The objective of this study was to compare the nutritional compositions of the red and green strain of K. alvarezii. The chemical composition analysis reveals that both strains contain ash, fat, crude fiber, protein, carbohydrate, vitamin C, and minerals; Ca (Calcium), Na (Sodium), and Fe (iron). While the red strain shows a higher ash content (4.62%), fat content (0.05%), protein (1.94%), carbohydrate (5.24%), vitamin C (3.42 mg.100 g−1), Na (467.65 mg.100 g−), and Fe (30.10 mg.100 g−), the green one has higher content of crude fiber (0.64%) and Na (9,307.17 mg.100 g−). Based on the result, the red K. alvarezii contains higher ash, fat, protein, carbohydrate, vitamin C, Ca, and Fe, while the green K. alvarezii is higher in water content, crude fiber, and Na. These two strains have no significant differences in nutrient composition and mineral content.