Handling and storage of cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. as a leaf vegetable

Abstract

A high-yielding cowpea cultivar, 'Vita 7', was grown to develop recommendations for handling and storage of fresh leaves. The best packaging was a closed 2 mil polythene bag at temperatures 15-30°C. Over half the leaves (fresh weight basis) were still edible when stored six days at l5°C. Leaves developed chilling injury when stored 2-5 days at temperatures below 15°C. Irrespective of storage temperature and package ventilation, edible leaves retained a moisture content similar to that of freshly harvested leaves.