Effect of Three Different Drying Methods (Oven, Solar and Sun) on the Mineral Composition of Ethiopian Pepper (Xylopia aethiopica)

Abstract

The effect of oven, solar and sun drying methods on the mineral properties of the Ethiopian Pepper was determined by conducting a study at the Department of Horticulture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The mineral properties analyzed were, calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, and zinc. Solar dried Ethiopian pepper, had significantly higher (p ≤ 0.01) calcium (0.38%) as compared to that of oven and sun-dried Ethiopian pepper. Iron level (68 mg/kg) was relatively highest in solar dried Ethiopian pepper whiles magnesium content was highest in oven dried Ethiopian pepper (0.25%). Sodium (1.50%), and zinc (41.75 mg/kg) were recorded for oven dried Ethiopian pepper. Ethiopian pepper dried under oven and solar drying methods retained higher levels minerals.