Optical, thermal, FTIR, SEM-EDX and 1H NMR analysis of Chenopodium album (Bathua) powder prepared using different drying techniques

Chenopodium album (L.) is an underutilized agricultural crop consumed as a leafy vegetable in Asian countries. Although perishable and cultivated in a specific season, it contains nutrients and phytochemicals in abundance. Preservation by employing drying techniques helps in their utilization in the off-season for better food security. In the present study, Chenopodium album leaves were dried using sun, tray, and freeze drying. The different powder samples were characterized on the basis of their physicochemical, optical, and thermal properties. The water activity of powder samples ranged between 0.29 and 0.56. The highest color retention (L* value 47.21) and lowest particle size (11.5 µm) was observed in freeze dried samples. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra confirmed the presence of several functional groups. Thermal analysis revealed the thermal degradation of powder due heat as depicted by change of state and loss of weight. Surface morphological study indicated that powder samples were flowable and element analysis showed presence of C, O, K, Ca, Mg, P, S element in powders.