Characterization of Fresh Moringa oleifera Beverage

Abstract

To determine the nutritional composition of fresh Moringa leaf beverage (50% moringa extract, 38% pineapple juice and 12% carrot extract) and assess the keeping quality. Proximate analysis, chemical analysis and shelf stability studies under three different storage conditions of temperature were conducted on the beverage. Fresh Moringa oleifera beverage recorded 2.9g/100ml of protein, 1.02mg of iron and 159.14mg/100ml of vitamins C. After 8weeks of storage 78% of vitamins C was still retained even under the most severe storage condition (sunlight). There was no microbial growth under all the conditions of storage, and the product was still acceptable. Fresh Moringa oleifera beverage is therefore an excellent means of distributing nutrients to the malnourished and other consumers.

Keywords: Analysis, content, nutritional composition, keeping quality