Application of multidimensional scaling technique to differentiate sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) cultivars according to their chemical composition

• Proximate composition and minerals were determined in 30 cultivars of sweet potato.
• Influences of the island and cycle of cultivation on the minerals were observed.
• High contributions of vitamin C, phenolics, K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe and Cu from sweet potato.
• MDS technique can classify cultivars by geographical location and maturation cycle.

Proximate composition (moisture, protein, starch, amylose, total dietary fibre, Brix degree, fat, ash, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, acidity and pH), minerals (Na, K, Ca, Mg) and trace elements (Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn) were determined in 30 cultivars of sweet potato from the Canary Islands (Spain). There were significant differences between the sweet potato cultivars for all the parameters studied; in addition, both the island of production and the cultivation cycle showed a noteworthy influence on the mineral and trace element composition of the tubers. It is worth mentioning that the consumption of sweet potatoes contributes relatively high intake levels of vitamin C, phenolic compounds and mineral and trace elements (K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe and Cu). Application of multidimensional scaling (MDS) correctly classified the sweet potato cultivars according to the island of production and maturation cycle.