Effect of Harvest Time on the Nutritional Quality of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Leaves in Kaduna State

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) has attracted substantial scientific and commercial attention in Nigeria due to its exceptional nutritional profile, including high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, the timing of leaf harvest significantly influences the nutritional content of moringa leaves, a factor rarely considered by smallholder farmers in North West Nigeria. This study evaluates the effect of harvest time, specifically morning (6:00-8:00 am), midday (12:00-1:00 pm), and late afternoon (4:00-6:00 pm), on the nutritional quality of moringa leaves harvested from a moringa plantation in Zaria, Kaduna State. Leaf samples were collected and analyzed for protein content, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), beta-carotene, iron, and calcium using standard analytical methods. The experiment was designed as a completely randomized design with four replications. Results indicate that leaves harvested in the morning had significantly higher ascorbic acid and beta-carotene content compared to midday and late afternoon harvests. Protein and mineral content showed minimal variation across harvest times. The study concludes that morning harvest optimizes the vitamin content of moringa leaves and recommends this practice for producers targeting the health food and nutraceutical market in Kaduna State and beyond. Keywords: moringa, Moringa oleifera, harvest time, nutritional quality, Kaduna State