Influence of Harvesting Stages, Drying Structures and Drying Durations on Oleoresin and Essential Oil content of Korarima (Aframomum corrorima (Braun) P.C.M. Jansen) Capsules Grown in Ethiopia

Abstract

Korarima (Aframomum corrorima) capsules face stringent market challenges, due to its inferior oleoresin and essential oil content. The inferior quality is owed to harvesting stages, drying structures and durations. Hence, this study was conducted to address such issues and to enhance oleoresin and essential oil content. The experiment consisted of harvesting stages (Mature Green, Mature Semi-red and Mature deep Red), drying structures (Cement, Ground and Wire mesh bed) and drying durations (10, 15 and 20 days) laid out in 3*3*3 factorial arrangement using Completely Randomized Design with three replications. Data on oleoresin and essential oil content of dried seeds and dried husk were recorded and subjected to ANOVA. The interactions were significantly affected quality of dried capsules. Mature green capsules dried on wire mesh bed for 10 days scored maximum oleoresin (10.04%) and essential oil content of dried seeds (5.53%) and essential oil of dried husks (0.93%). However, mature green and mature deep-red capsules dried on cement floor for 20 days gave minimum essential oil (2.82%) and oleoresin (4.88%) contents, respectively. Therefore, for extraction purpose, mature green capsules dried on wire mesh bed for 10 days can be recommended for optimum extraction quality.