Department of Agricultural Resources and Economics
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://localhost:4000/handle/20.500.12092/1808
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Item Optimization of manufacturing conditions of the new purple leafed Kenyan teas (TRFK 306) – maceration style and withering duration(2018) Kilel, E.C.; Wanyoko, J.K.; Faraj, A.K.; Ngoda, P.Purple tea in Kenya, TRFK 306, has received great attention due to its perceived health benefits though how it should be optimally manufactured has not been researched on exhaustively. The current study investigated on the two possible methods of manufacture – Cut Tear and Curl (CTC) and orthodox manufacture - with varying withering time of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 hours. Catechins, gallic acid, caffeine, total polyphenols and antioxidant activity were assayed as quality indicators. If gallic acid and caffeine are the main chemicals targeted, then orthodox type with longer withering, 15 – 20 hours, is usually recommended. When targeting catechins especially epigallocatechin gallate and high total polyphenols, orthodox type of manufacture whichever the withering time is proposed. CTC with withering hours of 15-20 produces teas with high antioxidant activity. It was concluded that TRFK 306 is best processed by orthodox or CTC but with longer withering time.Item Effect of Drying Method on Volatile Nutraceuticals and Microbial Growth in Moringa oleifera(International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology, 2021) Gatahi, Dennis Maina; Nyoro, FelixFresh Moringa oleifera leaves are very rich in phytonutrients, however the leaves are also highly perishable and require processing for increased shelf-life. The method of processing, specifically drying affects the nutritional value of the product. The present study therefore, analyzed the nutraceutical value and growth of toxic microbes when the leaves were dried under different conditions i.e. room temperature, greenhouse, 50% shade net, and in the oven at 60 oC for 4 h. The experiments were carried out at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). The treatments were applied in triplicate and arranged on a completely randomized design (CRD). Data on nutritional value of dried Moringa leaves was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) for parameterization and means separated using protected LSD0.05. The study showed that drying Moringa leaves under shade, room and greenhouse conditions significantly (P<0.05) affects the nutritional value of the product. The results showed highest levels of vitamin C, vitamin A, polyphenols and terpenoids when the leaves were dried under 50% shade net and room temperature conditions. In contrast, the glucosinolate content was significantly (P<0.05) higher when the leaves were dried instantly in the oven (9.1%/wt), followed by drying under greenhouse conditions (8.7%/wt) before oven drying. However, drying of Moringa leaves under shade before oven drying resulted in growth of toxic microbial organisms such as staphylococcus, yeast, E. coli and molds that can potentially affect the safety of the product. Finally, the drying conditions also significantly (P<0.05) affected the moisture content of the powder obtained. The results of this study form an important reference for small-holder Moringa growers and processors in the development of an optimal processing regime for high value Moringa powder