OYSTER TEA FORMULATIONS WITH SOME LOCAL HERBS SUCH AS MORINGA (Moringa oleifera)

ABSTRACT

Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) was formulated into a tea with local herbs such as Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Bitterleaf (Vernonia amygdalina) and Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum). The mushroom and herbs were mixed together in different ratios as in, 100:100, 90:10, 80;20 and 60:40 and labelled M1, M2, M3 M4, B1, B2, B3, B4, S1, S2, S3 and S4 respectively. An antioxidant test was carried out to ensure the tea formulation is safe for human consumption. A sensory evaluation was also carried out on participants to determine the taste and acceptability of the tea formulation. The antioxidant capacity proved that the tea was safe for human consumption and the formulation was also generally accepted by the participants. Due to these positive responses, enlightenment should be made known to the general public on the importance of this tea formulation.