Effect of Drying on the Nutritional and Organoleptic Characteristics of African Leafy Vegetables, Jute Mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) and Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

Purpose: The present study investigated the nutritional and organoleptic characteristics of two African leafy vegetables (ALVs)-jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius L) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)-at various drying temperatures. Methods: The thin-layer drying of cowpea leaves and jute mallow was studied at various temperatures ($40-100^{\circ}C$) in a convective laboratory dryer, and the nutrient profiles of the dried vegetables were determined. The nutrients considered were vitamins B2 and C, and ${\beta}$-carotene. The level of vitamin C was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), whereas the levels of ${\beta}$-carotene and vitamin B2 were determined by titration. Results: ${\beta}$-carotene was the most stable nutrient, whereas vitamin C was the least stable nutrient in both cowpea leaves and jute mallow. The drying parameters-temperature and time-revealed that temperature had the most profound effect on vegetable nutrient stability. Organoleptic tests were carried out on the fresh and dried vegetable; there were no significant differences in preference between the fresh and dried ALVs (95% confidence interval). Conclusions: The present study revealed that the vegetables can be preserved by drying, and the study could be used as a guide for effective drying of those vegetables.