STM Article Repository

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) grows abundantly in some parts of Nigeria and the plant has high nutritional value to all ages. Over the years, Nigeria has depended on imported wines to satisfy the demands for wine consumption by her citizens and this has placed huge economic burden on her economy. Hence, the need to exploit the commercial availability of Hibiscus sabdariffa for wine production. This study was aimed at comparative evaluation of red wine produced from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. and Citrus sinensis juice using Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from palm wine and brands of commercial wine. The Roselle calyx extract and sweet orange juice in the ratio of 3:1 was inoculated with the palm wine yeast and allowed to ferment for 14 days at 28±2°C. Physicochemical and microbiological parameters of the fermenting ‘must’ were monitored at intervals using standard methods. Culturable microorganisms was not detected in the ‘must’ at Day 0, but only yeast cells which have a mean count of 2.77 x 104 Cfu/ml and 2.25 x 104 Cfu/ml were present in the fermenting ‘must’ at Day 7 and 14, respectively. There were significant differences (p<0.05) among the parameters monitored in this study except pH and specific gravity (SG) of the fermenting ‘must’. The data obtained demonstrated that there was a decline in pH, reducing sugar, and SG of the fermenting ‘must’ which ranged from 3.8-3.5, 23-2.10 g/L and 1.08-1.00 oBrix % w/w, respectively. However, this study reported increase in alcohol content (0 - 10.87% v/v), titratable acidity (0.45 - 0.68 g/mL), and temperature (26.0 - 30.7°C) during the fermentation of the ‘must’. The wine produced had a bright red colour, pH of 3.5, alcohol content of 10.87% v/v, SG of 1.00 oBrix % w/w, and titratable acidity (TA) of 0.68%. The outcome of this study indicated that the wine produced is slightly more preferable than some commercialized brands of wine based on sensory scores. Since, the alcoholic beverage developed during fermentation process is in generally of acceptable quality as a good table wine thus, it can be concluded that our wine is a good product recommendable.