Studies on drying methods for evaluation of biochemical properties in African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)

Abstract

The influence of different drying methods on biochemical properties of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cultivar “Seracole”, was assessed in this experiment. The petals of marigold flowers were dried by five different methods viz. sun drying, shade drying, oven drying, cabinet drying and infrared drying. The biochemical constituents were analyzed on total carotenoids (mg/100g sample), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (µ mol trolox/g), vitamin C (mg/100g sample) and dry matter (%). Infrared dried petals exhibit the highest yield of total carotenoids (T10; 333.33 mg/100g sample) and ascorbic acid (T9; 75.89 mg/100g sample) and the lowest value found in sun drying (T0; 246.23 mg/100g sample & T0; 61.89 mg/100g sample respectively). The highest content of FRAP assay and dry matter content were found in cabinet drying (T8; 532.70 µ mol trolox/g & T6; 17.44% respectively).