EFFECT OF PRE-TREATMENTS AND DRYING METHODS ON NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF RHODODENDRON ARBOREUM, WEST HIMALAYA

Rhododendron arboreum belong to the family Ericaceae is a medicinally and economically important wild edible tree species from Himalayan region. The fresh flowers of R. after harvesting were treated at different temperatures separately. study revealed that quick- drying process was found for maximum harnessing phenolics, flavonoids, flavanols, antioxidant activity (FRAP assay DPPH assay) protein content. Likewise, shade drying; common method obtained best nutritional attributes. Correlation analyzed total phenolic content shows positive relationship with ABTS FRAP. However, showed non-significant carbohydrates protein. biochemical parameters significant variation among processing techniques. report suggested quality dried product strongly dependent on conditions used in process.