S24 - Session P1 - Perceptions of German consumers regarding methods for fortifying foods with iodine

Authors: Ann-Kristin Welk *, Diemo Daum, Ulrich Enneking

Moringa oleifera is a green leafy vegetable that remain under-utilized, yet the leaves contain significant source of essential nutrients that can be used as a food-based strategy in combating nutrient deficiencies. Moringa leaves are easily perishable because of their high-water content, which results in fast deterioration. Thus, the food industry is facing challenges in preserving, packaging, transportation, distribution and extended shelf life without compromising nutrient content. Moreover, despite the effectiveness of many drying methods that have been employed, it is important to know their effects on the nutritional components of the dried materials. Therefore, it is important to investigate drying techniques that can guarantee longer shelf life and maintain the nutritional values of the dried product. Air, oven, and sun-drying techniques were used in the current research to test their effect on the nutritional composition of Moringa leaves. The experiment was laid out as CRD with five replications. Chemical analysis for each of the treatments was conducted to determine the crude protein (CP), moisture, ash, acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and fat contents. Micro minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus and the ratios of potassium, calcium and magnesium) and macro-mineral (zinc, copper, manganese and iron). Generally, air drying resulted to better nutrient retention compared to oven and sun drying methods. Air drying showed a significantly high content of crude protein with 32.71%, ash with 12.30% and ADF with 17.71% compared to oven and sun drying techniques. In addition, macro and micronutrients were also significantly higher in air drying with K of 1.87%, P of 0.37% Zn content of 24.82%, Fe of 105.4%, and Cu of 9.93%. Therefore, the study recommends the air-drying method as the best suitable and cost-effective method of drying Moringa leaves compared to oven and sun drying methods.