On-Farm Value Addition to Henna Leaf for Better Quality and Shelf Life with LPG Dryer (CRIDA dryer)

A study was conducted at CRIDA, Hyderabad to study the effect of different drying and storage methods on quality, color retention and shelf life of henna leaves. Henna leaves were dried by different drying methods viz., open air drying (Sun), shade and LPG based CRIDA dryer at 40, 50 and 60°C. The dried leaves were powdered and stored in high density poly ethylene (HDPE) (40 μ) and brown paper covers. The stored powder was assessed for color and quality at 3 months interval during storage. The leaves dried with CRIDA dryer at 50°C had higher lawsone content and retained better chlorophyll content as compared to other methods of drying. Drying the leaf at 50°C by CRIDA dryer consumed less energy as compared with other drying temperatures (40, 60°C). Further leaf dried at 50°C when stored in plastic cover of 40 μ thickness had better shelf life as it retained more chlorophyll and lawsone contents even after one year of storage.