Nutrient Content of Kelor (Moringa Oleifera Lamk) Leaves Powder Under Different Blanching Methods

The aim of the present work was to study the effect of blanching method and period on the preservation of nutrition in moringa oleifera leaves powder. Unblanching Moringa oleifera leaves powder contained 340 mg 100 g–1 dry mass vitamin C, 16.51 mg 100 g–1 dry mass β-carotene and 24.59% crude protein. Treatment by blanching of Moringa oleifera lamk resulted in a decrease in the level of vitamin C about 120-238 mg 100 g–1 dry mass, increase in the level of β-carotene about 19.36-21.52 mg 100 g–1 dry mass, increase in the level of β-carotene about 24.70-30.68% (except steam blanching 5 minutes). The abundantly available inexpensive leaves of M. oleifira can serve as a pool house of nutrients and can be used in the developing countries to combat malnutrient.