Effects of Sunlight on the Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) Content of Some Selected Oranges in Kasoa, Ghana

Abstract

Standard Indophenols Method was used to determine vitamin C content of selected oranges kept at different locations in Kasoa, through an experimental study. Data were also collected from 80 purposively sampled university students in Kasoa, using pre-tested questionnaires with both open and close-ended items in across-sectional survey. The items for the data collection included a four-point Likert scale, which were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 17 and results presented by tables of frequencies, percentages and means.

The results of the experiment proved that sunlight certainly has a negative effect on vitamin C in oranges, in bringing about losses of the vitamin. Again vitamin C loss is greater when the orange is peeled and with long storage time. Respondents reported of careless handling and unhygienic storage practices by traders although their knowledge on vitamin C was quite poor. It is recommended that education of farmers and consumers can help conserve vitamin C in oranges.