Production and Quality Evaluation of Herbal Tea from <i>Moringa</i> Leaves and Lemon Peel Powder

Abstract

Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world next to water. It is made from tea leaves of Camellia sinensis. Herbal teas on the other hand, are tea variants not made from Camellia sinensis but from other plants, herbs, roots and plant extract. This study therefore, investigated the quality and acceptability of herbal teas made from dried Moringa leaves and lemon peel powder. Herbal teas were made from 100% dried Moringa leaves, 100% dried lemon peel powder and blends of Moringa leaves and lemon peel powder in the ratios of 50:50, 30:70 and 60:40. A total of five formulations were obtained. Using standard analytical methods, the proximate composition, vitamin content, phytochemical contents, chemical and sensory properties of all the tea formulations were investigated. Results obtained were compared to the control which was the Lipton Yellow brand tea. The result of the proximate composition revealed that the herbal teas formulated, compared favourably with the control (Lipton Yellow brand tea). The vitamin contents of all herbal tea formulated were relatively high compared to that obtained in the control. The phytochemical contents of the tea samples showed that the herbal teas contained significant levels of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids and phytates. Tea made from 100% Moringa leaves was generally accepted and preferred over the control. It was concluded that
herbal tea from 100% Moringa leaves and lemon peel powder has therapeutic potentials and high nutritional value and therefore can thrive commercially in the tea market.