EFFECT OF PRE-TREATMENTS AND DRYING METHODS ON NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF RHODODENDRON ARBOREUM, WEST HIMALAYA

Abstract

Rhododendron arboreum belong to the family Ericaceae is a medicinally and economically important wild edible tree species from the Himalayan region. The fresh flowers of R. arboreum after harvesting were treated at different temperatures separately. The study revealed that a quick- drying process was found for the maximum harnessing of phenolics, flavonoids, flavanols, antioxidant activity (FRAP assay and DPPH assay) and protein content. Likewise, shade drying; a common method for drying was obtained best for nutritional attributes. Correlation analyzed that total phenolic content shows a positive relationship with ABTS and FRAP. However, phenolic content showed non-significant relationship with carbohydrates and protein. The biochemical parameters showed significant variation among drying processing techniques. The report suggested that the quality of a dried product is strongly dependent on the conditions used in the drying process.