SENSORY AND NUTRITIONAL PROFILING OF SAUROPUS ANDROGYNUS LEAVES BY MEANS OF DRYING TECHNOLOGIES

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of various drying methods, such as sun drying, Sunshade drying, hot air oven drying, and Deep freeze-drying technologies, on the elucidation of sensory and nutritional profiles in Sauropus androgynous leaves. Methods: Fresh Sauropus androgynous leaves were used for various drying techniques, such as Sunshade, sun drying, hot air oven, and Deep freeze drying. The leaves were analyzed for changes in nutritional composition, mineral composition, and vitamin concentration. The study involved various drying analysis methods based on the AOAC protocols to evaluate their impact on the leaves’ nutritional and medicinal properties. Results: Sun-dried leaves retained a higher proportion of essential nutrients compared to those dried in a sun shade, hot air oven, or Deep freeze method. The sensory evaluation demonstrated that sun-dried leaves were preferred in color, taste, antioxidants, and overall acceptability compared to leaves dried in a hot air oven. Conclusion: Sun drying is the best technique for maintaining the sensory qualities, nutritional value, and antioxidants of Sauropus androgynus leaves. While sun shade, Sun drying, Hot air ovens, and deep freeze-drying methods effectively reduced microbial contamination, the sun-drying process exhibited advantages in maintaining the overall quality of the leaves.