Shelf Life and Vitamin Composition of Black Plum (Vitex Doniana) Bread Spread for Adults in Enugu, Nigeria

The study determined black plum (Vitex doniana) spread’s shelf life and Vitamin composition for Adults in Enugu, Nigeria. The study adopted experimental design. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Findings of the study indicated that the shelf life determinants included protein, moisture and the Viable Counts. From the analysis, protein content decreased over the weeks; from 6.6 at the start to 6.1 at 3weeks; 5.4 at 4 weeks; among others. The analysis showed that the moisture content of the produced black plum spread slightly appreciated over the weeks; from 72.6 at the start to 73.4 at 3 weeks; among others. The total viable count (TVC) cfu/g of the produced black plum spread slightly decreased, increased and later decreased over the weeks. At the start of the experiment, the TVC cfu/g of the produced black plum spread was 2. 9; TVC increased to 3.6 at 3 weeks; 6.10 at 4 weeks; among others. Findings reveal that vitamin analysis was conducted using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and flame photometry to quantify the levels of Vitamins A, B6, B12 and E, in the final product. The results indicated that the vitamin compositions of the black plum spread had Vit A:-0.35 mg for BPS, Vit B6:-BPS contain 0.04 mg. The spread was prepared under controlled laboratory conditions and stored at ambient temperature. The findings suggest that black plum spread not only offers extended shelf life with appropriate storage but also serves as a rich source of essential vitamins beneficial to human health.