Comparative Study of Drying Methods on Proximate Composition, Chlorophyll Retention and Phytochemical Properties in Cnidoscolus Aconitifolius Leaves

This study on Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Chaya) leaves compared sun drying and NSPRI parabolic solar drying to assess their impact on nutritional quality. Both methods significantly reduced moisture content from 66.3% to about 7.8%, enhancing shelf life. While proximate composition remained similar between methods, solar drying better preserved chlorophyll (49.09 mg/g) and phytochemicals like alkaloids, saponins, and tannins compared to sun drying. Flavonoid levels decreased similarly in both methods. The study recommends solar drying for its superior preservation of chlorophyll and phytochemicals, making it a beneficial option for areas with limited refrigeration.