Postharvest value addition of Malabar spinach (Basella rubra L.) grown under the arid agroclimatic conditions of Bikaner: Effect of drying techniques on powder quality

Malabar spinach (Basella rubra L.) is an underutilized plant with high nutritional and medicinal value. Its fruits are rich in natural pigments, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them suitable for functional food development. However, their high moisture content limits storage and utilisation. Drying is an effective preservation method that extends shelf life and enables the production of stable fruit powder. This study aimed to develop Malabar spinach fruit powder using four drying techniques: sun drying, shade drying, solar drying, and oven drying. The developed powders were evaluated for physical characteristics and powder yield. The results showed that the drying method significantly affected the quality of the powder. Shade drying produced the highest powder yield, while solar drying showed better color retention and overall appearance. The study demonstrates that suitable drying techniques can successfully convert Malabar spinach fruits into a stable, value-added powder.