Utilization of Dried Kenaf (H. Cannabinus) Leaves to the Meals

Abstract

Kenaf (cannabinaus) is one of annual plants which belong to Malyales, Hibiscus L. Recently “Kenaf” draws one's attention for prevention of global warming and cleaning muddy water.
The dried kenaf leaves contain about a lot of calcium and dietary fibers.
Minerals, particularly calcium, are effective for the formation of bones and teeth, and dietary fibers contribute highly to our health.
We tried to add the dried kenaf leaves in meals to improve the nutritional balance.
The kenaf leaves were obtained at the Biotechnology Center of Kobe Women's university in November of 1998. The kind of kenaf is “green skin NO.3” these seeds imported from China.
The result is following.
We tried from one to three percent of dried green kenaf leaves powder mixing with cereals'powder. And made breads, sponge cakes, steamed cakes, dumplings and others.
1. Over 3% contents of kenaf leaves powder indicated bitterness.
2. The most suitable contents of kenaf powder for sponge cake and steamed cake were 3%, and for another foodstuffs were 1%.
3. When 1% kenaf powder added to flour, the calcium contents 1.6 times and dietary fibers shows 2 times more than original flour.