Physicochemical and Microbiological Properties of Bissap ( Hibiscus sabdariffa) and Ginger ( Zingiber officinale (L) Rose) Juices Sold in the Western Part of Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

Juices made from the calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Malvaceae), commonly called Bissap, and the rhizome of Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae), known as Gnamankoudji, are widely consumed in Côte d'Ivoire. The artisanal preparation of these juices often makes their quality problematic. The aim of this study is to determine some physicochemical and microbiological properties of these drinks sold in the city of Abidjan. To do this, samples of Bissap and Gnamankoudji juices were collected near schools in the Mamie Adjoua (Yopougon) and Abobodoumé (Attécoubé) districts. Physico-chemical and microbiological analyses were performed on these collected samples. The results show that the Bissap and Gnamankoudji juices have an acid pH (2.47 and 3.71), a low protein content (0.78% and 2.11%) and a high water content (80.13% and 85.21%), respectively. The reducing sugar content ranged from 1.20% to 3.34%, with high total sugar (695 mg/mL and 812 mg/mL), low ash (0.70 ± 0.07; 0.91 ± 0.01). On the other hand, these juices contain variable concentrations of minerals from one site to another (magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and iron). Potassium is the most abundant mineral element, followed by phosphorus and magnesium. Moreover, it is observed that the Gnamankoudji juices contain vitamin C (4.67 to 5.58 mg/100mL), contrary to the Bissap juice. The microbiological analysis indicates the presence of aerobic mesophilic germs (AMG) but a total absence of pathogenic germs in all juices. The important presence of nutrients and the total absence of pathogenic germs in these drinks justify their regular consumption by the population.