Chapters 8.63
8.63 - Drying pumpkin leaves
Thomas Haugh, University of Guelph,Canada
Suggested citation for this chapter.
Haugh,T. (2025) Drying pumpkin leaves. In Farmpedia, The Encyclopedia for Small Scale Farmers. Editor, M.N. Raizada, University of Guelph, Canada. http://www.farmpedia.org
Introduction
Pumpkin leaves, along with being a dietary staple in West Africa, can also be used as an effective tool to combat malnourishment, an issue that plagues the world along with much of the African continent. The reason pumpkin leaves can potentially be a useful crop for smallholder farmers is because they contain essential proteins, oils, vitamins, and minerals, at a reasonably low cost (Raji, 2016). Additionally, pumpkin leaves can be dried for long term preservation and portably stored whilst retaining many of the desirable qualities that make pumpkin leaves a valuable source of nutrition (Raji, 2016). The presence of a constant dried food source can be extremely advantageous during extended dry seasons which is a common cause of micronutrient malnutrition, especially in the Sub-Tropics of Africa and South Asia (McMahon & Gray, 2021; Thiede & Strube, 2020). However, there are a variety of methods in which pumpkin leaves can be dried which vary in effectiveness concerning cost and successful crop yields. This chapter aims to weigh and assess the value of some of these methods in hopes of providing smallholder farmers with a solution to malnutrition that suits their circumstances.
Open sun drying
The most cost effective and readily available method for drying pumpkin leaves is open sun drying (Matavel et al., 2022). This method has been traditionally used by farmers in West Africa (Matavel et al., 2022). and does not require any specific equipment or tools outside which one would commonly own. Pumpkin leaves are first harvested and thoroughly washed of any dirt or debris (Matavel et al., 2022). Pumpkin leaves are then blanched by quickly submerging them in boiling water. It should be noted that if cold water is available, submerging the leaves in a tub of cold water may be beneficial in stopping the cooking process and preserving valuable nutrients. Leaves are then laid out in the open sun to dry, ideally on a clean and flat surface. Simple and cost effective as it may be, open sun drying also has some challenges. This method can lead to higher levels of crop losses from inadequate drying, as well as fungal growth and wildlife interference due to open exposure to the elements (Matavel et al., 2022).
Source: From Fluted pumpkin leaves which are widely used in West Africa for cooking, 2021, Shutterstock (https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/fluted-pumpkin-leaves-which-widely-used-1977440408). Copyright 2021 by Shutterstock. Used under license.
Source: From Drying Green Pumpkin Leaves / Pumpkin Leaves Recipe / Morogo / How to Make Mufushwa / Muboora [Video], by COOKING QUEEN, 2018, YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXAcb2h_v5w
Passive solar drying
A viable alternative to traditional open sun drying methods is passive solar drying (Koleleni, 2025). A passive solar dryer is fairly economical, consisting of a small structure which uses the natural power of the sun to dry leaves, much like traditional methods (Koleleni, 2025). However, passive solar dryers have the advantage of sheltering leaves from unwanted environmental factors that may disturb the drying process. Passive solar dryers additionally utilize ventilation and heat insulation which allows for leaves to dry faster than traditional methods (Koleleni, 2025). When compared to open sun drying, passive solar dryers produce a higher yield of successfully dried leaves and a higher quality product overall (Koleleni, 2025) . This method of drying may be more complicated than traditional methods, but it is still attainable for smallholder farmers due to its affordability and the fact that it does not require any electricity or fossil fuels to operate, which also makes it an environmentally friendly option (Balasuadhakar et al., 2016). Passive sun dryers are also considered to be a locally available technology, “thus minimizing the intensification of local food production and food imports, which can negatively impact the environment” (Matavel et al., 2022). Theoretically, if passive solar drying technology was constructed and diffused on an industrial scale in African nations, the availability of this technology for smallholder farmers would drastically increase. This would also create jobs and income sources for younger members of rural populations and people without access to farmland. In order for this to take place there would likely need to be some form of funding and support from local or international governments or humanitarian organizations (Matavel et al., 2022).
Passive solar dryers are used similarly to open sun drying methods, in that leaves must be harvested and thoroughly washed. Leaves should then be spread out evenly on drying trays and placed inside the passive solar dryer for 3-5 days. Pumpkin leaves should be monitored daily throughout the drying process for any imperfections (Botzet, 2023).
Source: From Direct Solar Dryer, by Wikimedia Commons Contributors, 2020, Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Direct_Solar_dryer.svg. License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Once dried, pumpkin leaves can be stored in food grade plastic bags. For improved preservation, a burning candle can be used to create an airtight seal on the plastic bags (FAO, 2011). The bags should then be labeled with an expiry date which would be around 6 months to a year from when they were initially packaged. The bags can then be placed together in a large container to shield them from external damage, with the container then being placed in a cool and dry location indoors. It should be noted that before packaging, leaves should be examined to ensure that they are sufficiently dried. Properly dried leaves should be brittle and crumble easily (FAO, 2011).
Source: From How to Dry Fluted Pumpkin Leaves | UGU | Okongobong for exportation [Video], by Lamin Akonjom, 2022, YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xrVpe1Nc4o
Source: From Plastic Container Storage Box Blue Element, by Shutterstock, 2022, Shutterstock. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/plastic-container-storage-box-blue-element-2094619852.
Critical Analysis
The drying of pumpkin leaves and the above mentioned methods of open sun drying and passive solar drying are subject to certain variables and factors that can positively or negatively impact their efficiency and value for smallholder farmers. These factors include climate and environment, marketability of products, financial cost, as well as the level of micronutrient preservation throughout the harvest, drying, and storage processes (Nyembe, 2015; Senyolo, 2018; Raji, 2016). For example, traditional open sun drying methods, as well as passive solar drying are highly dependent on weather and climate. This means that the application of these methods in areas of Africa that are more humid and rainy would likely prove to be ineffective due to the risk of fungal growth and overall unsuitable conditions for drying. In turn, these methods are well suited for regions that experience more exposure to sunlight and dryer conditions (Nyembe, 2015). Additionally, the drying of pumpkin leaves as a practice may not be ideal for smallholder African farmers looking to market their products in urban environments. This is suggested by a study (Senyolo, 2018) conducted in South Africa which assessed the value chain for African leafy vegetables, which found that younger generations tend to prefer products that are canned or branded and often view leafy vegetation as lower class food products, with many restaurants and hotels attempting to package dried leaves in ways that are more appealing to urban dwellers and wealthier consumers (Senyolo, 2018). When comparing the nutritional content of fresh pumpkin leaves versus pumpkin leaves that were dried by open sun and solar methods, there are significant differences. A study which examined the composition of fluted pumpkin leaves after drying found that sun and solar drying methods resulted in a loss of nutritional contents by 30% in crude protein, 20% in crude fibre, and 40% in carbohydrates, with nutrient levels steadily decreasing as time progressed during storage (Raji, 2016). Open sun drying methods are extremely cost effective as the only items required are a tub for blanching leaves and a clean area in which leaves can be dried. If one does not possess either of these items, they can be purchased online at a minimal expense. Small tubs, as well as tarpauline, which could be used as a clean place to dry leaves, can be found on Alibaba.com for less than 5 US dollars (see Helpful Resources section for specific listings). Passive solar dryers are available for purchase online, however they are considerably more expensive than open sun drying. A solution to this would be constructing a homemade passive solar dryer with locally available materials (see Helpful Resources section for a tutorial). As for the cost of storing dried pumpkin leaves, Alibaba.com offers sealable food grade bags for less than 1 US dollar per bag, as well as containers which can be used to store packages of dried leaves for less than 5 US dollars. Theoretically, the formation of women’s farming cooperatives could increase the availability of products required to harvest and dry pumpkin leaves, lowering expenses for smallholder farmers. Research conducted regarding a female led agricultural cooperative in Ethiopia (Gebremichael, 2014). showed that by sharing information, pooling resources for loans and grants from humanitarian or government organizations, as well as sharecropping, agricultural practices became more accessible and sustainable for smallholder farmers. The formation of women's cooperatives would also benefit rural communities in terms of community development, and empowerment in the form of economic independence for women (Gebremichael, 2014).
Helpful Resources to Get Started
1.Open sun drying:
The Herbazest website offers instructions for those looking to preserve pumpkin leaves using traditional African open sun drying techniques: https://www.herbazest.com/herbs/pumpkin/pumpkin-leaves
Low cost tarpauline which could be used for laying out pumpkin leaves for open sun drying on a clean surface: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Heavy-Duty-HDPE-Tarpaulin-Sheet-Tarps_1601166039695.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_title.53f413a0TsT16x
Low cost tub which could be used for blanching pumpkin leaves: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Plastic-Moving-Box-Turnover-Crate-Open_1601209670063.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_title.111e13a00spzGo
2. Passive solar drying:
Gardening for Australia provides an excellent tutorial on how to construct a passive solar dryer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0f0jew8Whw
Dryers for Africa is a company that is based in Africa and makes products primarily for African smallholder farmers, taking quality, price, assembly, and delivery into account: https://www.dryersforafrica.co.za/
Grekkon Limited, like Dryers for Africa, is a company that markets solar dryers to smallholder African farmers: https://grekkon.co.ke/solar-dryers/
Storage:
This webpage from the United Nations FAO provides information on the preservation and storage of green leafy vegetables: https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/a759bb6d-091e-4d4a-89c0-a8b5125d4123/content
Low cost food grade sealable plastic bags for storage of dried pumpkin leaves: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Embossed-Vacuum-Bag-Roll-Sous-Vide_1601245247478.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_title.45c713a0rv1oNz&selectedCarrierCode=SEMI_MANAGED_ECONOMIC@@ECONOMY
Low cost container which could be used to store sealed bags of dried pumpkin leaves: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Thickened-Transparent-Sealed-Fresh-Keeping-Box_1601063301770.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_title.26c513a01GGRn9&selectedCarrierCode=SEMI_MANAGED_STANDARD@@STANDARD
References
1. Balasuadhakar, A., Fisseha, T., Atenafu, A., & Bino, B. (2016). A review on passive solar dryers for agricultural products. International Journal for Innovative Research in Science & Technology 3, 64-70. Retrieved from https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=EsyTRzAAAAAJ&citation_for_view=EsyTRzAAAAAJ:9yKSN-GCB0IC
2. Boztet, C. (2023). Solar Drying Fruits and Vegetables. South Dakota State University Extension. Retrieved from https://extension.sdstate.edu/sites/default/files/2023-06/P-00270.pdf
3. Dryers For Africa. (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved from https://www.dryersforafrica.co.za/
4. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (2011). Preserving green leafy vegetables and fruits. FAO, Rome. Retrieved from https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/a759bb6d-091e-4d4a-89c0-a8b5125d4123/content
5. Gebremichael, B. (2014). The role of agricultural cooperatives in Promoting Food Security and Rural Women’s Empowerment in Eastern Tigray Region, Ethiopia. Developing Country Studies 5, 96-110. Retrieved from https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/234681725.pdf
6. Koleleni, Y. I. (2025). Design, construction, and evaluation of a passive solar dryer for sustainable food preservation. Asian Journal of Research and Reviews in Physics 9, 40-56. https://journalajr2p.com/index.php/AJR2P/article/view/181
7. Matavel, C., Kächele, H., Steinke, J., Rybak, C., Hoffmann, H., Salavessa, J., Sieber, S., & Müller, K. (2022). Effect of passive solar drying on food security in rural Mozambique. Scientific Reports 12, 17154. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-22129-9
8. McMahon, K., & Gray, C. (2021). Climate change, social vulnerability and child nutrition in South Asia. Global Environmental Change 71, 1-2414, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34898861/
9. Nyembe, S. (2015). Preserving traditional leafy vegetables using indigenous knowledge-based drying technologies to improve household food security in Limpopo Province, South Africa. University of Kwazulu-Natal. Retrieved from https://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za/server/api/core/bitstreams/10915773-2251-4ae8-b8b3-fff91f31c8b5/content
10. Pumpkin leaves. (2020). HerbaZest. Retrieved from https://www.herbazest.com/herbs/pumpkin/pumpkin-leaves
11. Raji, R. A. (2016). Effects of drying methods and storage duration on proximate composition of fluted pumpkin leaves. Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, a. Nigeria. 37TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING–“MINNA 2016”, Minna, Nigeria. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334812390_EFFECTS_OF_DRYING_METHODS_AND_STORAGE_DURATION_ON_PROXIMATE_COMPOSITION_OF_FLUTED_PUMPKIN_LEAVES
12. Senyolo, G. M., Wale, E. and Ortmann, G.F. (2018). Analysing the value chain for African leafy vegetables in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Cogent Social Sciences 4, 1509417. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23311886.2018.1509417
13. Solar dryers. (2021). Grekkon Limited. Retrieved from https://grekkon.co.ke/solar-dryers/
14. Thiede, B. C., & Strube, J. (2020). Climate variability and child nutrition: Findings from Sub-Saharan Africa. Global Environmental Change 65, 102192. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34789965/