Assessment of Nutritive and Preservative Impact of Enriching Zobo (Hibiscus sabdariffa Calyx) Drink with Moringa Extract

This study was aimed to determine the nutritive and preservative potential of enriching Zobo drink with Moringa leaf extract. Hot water extraction of Zobo drink produced with ginger and garlic gloves was separated into four different samples M0, M10, M20 and M30. To samples M10, M20 and M30 40 g, 80 g and 120 g of Moringa leaf powder respectively, were added. Samples analyzed in triplicate for their sensory characteristics, vitamins, minerals and microbial content. Sensory evaluation showed no significant difference in flavour, colour, tartness and sweetness amongst the samples. Overall acceptability was significantly (p<0.05) higher in sample M30 (6.90±2.36) probably due to high levels of tartness. Vitamin C was significantly (p<0.05) higher in sample M30 (4.50±0.10), compared to M0 (4.00 ±0.01), M10 (4.00 ±0.02) and M20 (4.20 ±0.01) samples. Vitamin A content (mg/100 mL) of M30 (0.13±0.300) was also significantly (p<0.05) higher than values obtained for M0 (0.1 0 ±0.20), M10 (0.12 ±0.30) and M20 (0.12 ±0.10) samples. pH differed significantly (p<0.05) amongst the different samples, i.e. M0 (2.70 ±0.00), M10 (2.80±0.00), M20 (3.00±0.00) and M30 (3.20±0.00). Microbial load result revealed the presence of coliform, total viable count, total aerobic, Salmonella typhi, Aspagillus niger and Strep. Spp. which was absent in sample M0 but were present in significantly (p<0.05) higher levels in sample M30 (867.00±0.20, 982.00±0.10, 982.00±0.10, 28.00±0.10, 7.00±0.10 and 93.00±0.10 respectively). Significantly (p<0.05) higher levels of iron (1.30 ±0.12 mg/100 mL) in M30 compared with M10 (0.34±0.02), M20 (0.83±0.02) and M30 (1.30 ±0.12) and magnesium was highest in M20 (0.05 ±0.03 mg/100 mL) compared with M0 (0.00 ±0.00), M10 (0.00±0.00) and M30 (0.02±0.31) samples, In conclusion, this study has revealed that Moringa improve the nutritive and overall sensory characteristics of Zobo drink but result in a limited shelf life.