ABSTRACT
This study examined the nutritional assessment of smoked Clarias gariepinus from four major markets in Egor LGA, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria for a period of 3 weeks with the objective of evaluating their nutritional content. However, there were variations in nutritional and across the different markets although there was no significant (P>0.05) difference among all the sampling sites. The moisture content, protein, fat, fiber, ash, and carbohydrate levels observed in the fish from these markets fell within the following ranges: 11.38% to 14.41%, 55.70% to 58.81%, 20.63% to 24.26%, 0.13% to 0.36%, 4.56% to 4.91%, and 2.37% to 2.87%, respectively. The highest protein content (58.81%) was recorded in smoked fish obtained from Egor market while the least was recorded in smoked fish obtained from Uwelu market. Similar results were obtained for the fat, moisture content, fiber, ash, and carbohydrate content, with no significant differences (p< 0.05). The results of the analysis indicated that the smoked fish generally met the criteria for good nutritional standards and therefore recommends smoked method as one of the preservative processes to maintain a longer shelf life for Clarias gariepinus both commercially and for domestic purposes while retaining its nutritional qualities.
