Culinary Temperature Variably Affects the Antioxidant Content of Some Local Spices and Green Herbs

Abstract

Spices and herbs are groups of vegetables with important properties for human health and food industries. They are generally consumed in cooked recipes and such treatment may affect the content of vital components such antioxidants. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of the cooking temperatures on total phenolics, flavonoids and vitamin C of some spices and herbs used in the locality of Bamenda, Cameroon. Briefly, the most consumed spices and herbs were selected through structured questionnaires administered to individuals involved in their consumption and selling. Thereafter, samples were collected and subjected to different boiling treatments and the levels of the antioxidants (flavonoids, phenols and vitamin C) were determined. Results showed that almost half the participants (48%) used Parsley, Basil, White pepper, Njansa, Mint and African nutmeg mainly for flavoring and medicinal purposes. The cooking temperature of 65°C increased total phenolics and flavonoids in spices (Mint, White pepper, Njangsa and African nutmeg) and herbs (Parsley, Basil) while higher heat treatments (75 and 85°C) lowered the content of these pytochemicals. Boiling of spices or herbs significantly and temperature dependently reduced the vitamin C content in all spice and herb samples with respect to the control raw samples. Summarily, the moderate boiling (65°C) treatment used by the local populations favors release of total phenolics and flavonoids though with some reducing effect on vitamin C.