Abstract:
Korarima (Aframomum corrorima) is native crop to Ethiopia which is used as spice and
medicinal. It is one of the few under-exploited spices with promising economic value. As a
result, there is a huge problem of quality. The capsules are harvested mostly at mature
green stage. Besides use of different drying structures and drying durations are other big
quality influencing issues. Thus, the current study was conducted with the objective of
determining the appropriate harvesting stages, drying structures and drying durations for
quality improvement of A. corrorima capsules. The experiment consisted of three
harvesting stages (mature green, mature semi-red and mature red), three drying
structures (cement floor, ground and raised wire mesh bed) and three drying durations
(10, 15 and 20 days) laid out in 3*3*3 factorial arrangement using Completely
Randomized Design with three replications. Data on physical and chemical quality of A.
corrorima capsules were recorded and subjected to ANOVA. The results of this
experiment indicated that the various harvesting stages significantly influence physical
quality of fresh capsules. The combined effects among harvesting stages, drying structures
and drying durations showed significant variations on physical and chemical quality.
Mature green capsules dried on wire mesh for 10 days scored maximum total ash (5.45%),
oleoresin (10.04%) and Essential Oil (EO) of seeds (5.53%) and husk (0.93%). Mature
red capsules dried on wire mesh for 10 days recorded maximum dry weight recovery
(41.30%) while mature semi-red (6.42g), mature green (6.38g) and mature red (6.32g)
capsules dried on wire mesh for 10 days recorded maximum weight of seeds per capsule.
On the other hand, mature green capsules dried on cement for 20 days attained minimum
weight of single capsule (5.89g) and EO (2.82%). From this study, it can be concluded
that wire mesh drying structure was superior to obtain overall good quality of A.
corrorima capsules. Drying durations and harvesting stages depend up on the purpose of
the capsules intended for final use. For immediate extraction purpose, mature green
capsules dried on wire mesh for 10 days can be recommended. However, for home
consumption and storage purpose, mature red capsules dried on wire mesh for 15 days
can be recommended. Further investigation may need to be carried out in the aspect of
production, value addition, storage shelf life and package materials.
