Influence of rural processing methods and postharvest storage treatments on quality characteristics of kola nut (acuminata Schott Endl.)

Abstract

Quality changes of kola nut (Cola acuminata) as affected by processing methods and short-term storage environments were investigated. The experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Laboratory of the Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria. The treatments comprised of: three different colour plastic buckets -red, green, white and three inner liningsNewbouldia laevis leaves, Spondias mombin leaves and Black polyethylene sheets giving a 3 × 3 × 3 treatment combinations. The N. laevis, S. mombin and Black polyethylene sheets were laid inside the buckets as beddings for the kola nuts. About 0.45 kg of kola nuts (coated and uncoated) numbering 20 nuts were put in each storage container. Sensory quality of the nuts after storage was determined with quantitative descriptive analysis in expert panel, using six quality attributes. Physical parameters measured were; weight loss, pest incidence and sprouting incidence. Weight loss was significantly lower in white plastic storage container for coated kola nut while green plastic container reduced weight loss for uncoated. Black polyethylene sheet as inner-ling of the storage container significantly (P≤ 0.05) reduced weight loss and pest incidence in coated kola nut compared to uncoated. N. laevis and S. mombin significantly reduced weight loss in kola nuts. It is evident in this study that coated kola nut genotype were kept better than the uncoated kola nut.

Kolanut curing, storage and trade: Panacea for increased kolanut production in Nigeria

“…Moreover, unlike leaf, which has to be changed regularly because it dries up quickly, nylon has the advantage that it does not dry up quickly and thus, does not need changing for the period the kolanut is in storage [21]. However, a study by Eze et al [22] showed that storing kolanut under modified atmosphere using botanical leaves, remarkably improved the postharvest and culinary qualities of the nuts when compared with those stored in polyethylene, which acts as the modern storage method.…”

“…Also, the Federal Government of Nigeria is yet to accord a full export status to kolanut. This is probably as a result of the non-availability of kolanut all year round and its attack by storage pests during storage [22]. Kolanut is highly sought after because of its many usages in pharmaceuticals and soft drinks production [7].…”