Sandisiwe Zondo^1,, Precious Mahlambi²

Maize is the most important grain crop in South Africa, especially in the rural places of KwaZulu Natal. Protein, starch, fat, minerals, fibre, and flavonoids content was determined, together with water holding capacity in four different maize varieties obtained from rural village of KwaNongoma (KwaZulu Natal Province). Red maize variety had higher macro nutrients than other verities however, all varieties showed low micro nutrients. The soaking time and soaking temperature showed to have an effect on water holding capacity of maize varieties. Red maize variety had higher capacity in all soaking temperatures which increased as the temperature increases with 1.69% at 25°C, 8.79% at 35°C and 11.89% at 45°C. Red and yellow variety showed phenolic content of more than 100 mg 100g^-1. This study showed that all maize varieties yielded high nutritional value and flavonoid contents which makes maize produced from rural village of KwaNongoma suitable for human consumption.

protein, starch, flavonoids and water holding capacity