Effects of Two Drying Methods —Sun Drying and Shade Drying—on the Nutrient Composition of Afzelia africana, Cajanus cajan and Abelmoschus esculentus Leaves

Abstract

This study examined the effect of two drying methods—sun drying and shade drying—on the nutrient content of Afzelia africana (Akparata), Cajanus cajan (Fio-fio) and Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra) leaves. The samples were divided into three portions. One portion was analyzed fresh; the second was sundried while the third was shade dried. The samples were analyzed for their proximate, vitamin and mineral contents. Data obtained were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. Descriptive (mean and standard deviation) statistics was used to describe the data. The result showed that shade dried fio-fio leaves had the highest protein (29.76± 0.02), ash (5.98 ± 0.01) and fibre (2.60 ± 0.01) with the least moisture content (12.63± 0.02). Sundried akparata leaves had the highest fat (27.45±0.02) while shade dried akparata leaves had the highest carbohydrate (58.01 ± 0.02), Vitamin C (85.34 ± 0.02 mg), Vitamin A (3314 ± 0.01 IU). Shade dried okra leaves had the highest Iron (125.28 ± 0.02 mg). Fresh okra and fresh fio-fio leaves had the highest zinc (51.08 ± 0.01 mg) each, respectively. The study concludes that fio-fio, okra and akparata leaves contain considerable amounts of nutrients like protein, fiber, Iron and Zinc. Therefore, increase in the consumption of these leafy vegetables will help to supplement diets and alleviate the problems associated with malnutrition in the country.