Effect of Harvesting Stage and Drying Method on Cowpea Leaf Nutrient Composition

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dc.contributor.authorWanjiku, G. J.en_US
dc.contributor.authorKingori, G. G.en_US
dc.contributor.authorKirimi, K. J.en_US
dc.date.accessioned2023-07-14T08:08:46Z
dc.date.available2023-07-14T08:08:46Z
dc.date.issued2023-08
dc.description.abstractCowpea leaves are lost annually due to infestation and spoilage when being transported to clients and the losses at the local markets are brought on by inadequate postharvest handling procedures and market glut, particularly during peak seasons. High moisture content from the cowpea leaves at harvest stage may contribute to increased spoilage hence lowering quantity and quality. The choice of appropriate harvesting stage and drying method can help to reduce this problem. The aim of this study was to determine the best harvesting stage and efficient drying method that would maintain high leaf nutrient composition. Cowpeas variety M66 was used for the research and the treatments included three harvesting stages (21, 35 and 49 days after sowing [DAS]), three drying methods (open sun, solar dryer and oven. Data was collected on iron, calcium, crude fibre, beta carotene, protein and moisture content. The data was subjected for variance using Statistical Analysis System 9.2 edition and significantly different means separated using least significant difference at 5%. The results indicated significant (p<0.05) differences in moisture, calcium, proteins, beta carotene and crude fibre content in both trials. Harvest stage and drying method did not significantly (p<0.05) influence the iron content. Oven and solar drying methods showed better nutrient and mineral retention in the three harvesting stages when compared to the open sun drying method.en_US
dc.identifier.affiliationsDepartment of Plant Sciences, Chuka University, P.O.Box 109-60400, Chuka, Kenyaen_US
dc.identifier.citationWanjiku G. J., Kingori G. G., Kirimi K. J.. Effect of Harvesting Stage and Drying Method on Cowpea Leaf Nutrient Composition. European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety. 2023 Aug; 15(8): 28-40en_US
dc.identifier.issn2347-5641
dc.identifier.placeIndiaen_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/219685
dc.languageenen_US
dc.publisherSciencedomain Internationalen_US
dc.relation.issuenumber8en_US
dc.relation.volume15en_US
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.9734/ejnfs/2023/v15i81325en_US
dc.subjectCowpeaen_US
dc.subjectleavesen_US
dc.subjectharvesting stageen_US
dc.subjectdrying methoden_US
dc.subjectnutrient contenten_US
dc.titleEffect of Harvesting Stage and Drying Method on Cowpea Leaf Nutrient Compositionen_US
dc.typeJournal Articleen_US
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