Abstract:

This study aimed to analyze the nutritional composition of the edible flowers from Dregea sinensis Hemsl. The
fresh flowers of Dregea sinensis Hemsl were determined for macro- and micro-nutrients, and harmful heavy metal elements.
The results showed that the flowers contained 90.67% water, 2.55% protein, 3.33% fat, 2.07% ash, 0.134 mg/100 g thiamine,
0.050 5 mg/100 g riboflavin, 63.3 mg/100 g ascorbic acid, 768 mg/kg calcium, 594 mg/kg phosphorus, 5 240 mg/kg
potassium, 13.7 mg/kg iron, 2.98 mg/kg zinc, and 1.64 mg/kg cuprum. In addition, the edible flowers were also rich in
vitamins and minerals and contained 0.134, 0.050 5 and 63.3 mg/100 g of thiamine, riboflavin and VC, and 768, 594, 5 240,
13.7, 2.98 and 1.64 mg/kg of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc and copper, respectively. Essential amino acids
such as lysine, and flavonoids were abundant in the flowers of Dregea sinensis Hemsl, which were free from heavy metal
pollution. Thus, the flowers of Dregea sinensis Hemsl have high nutritional value and a great development potential.

Key words: edible flower, Dregea sinensis Hemsl, nutrient content, analysis