<![CDATA[This study aimed to evaluate the effect of drying temperature on the chemical and organoleptic properties of formulated kenikir (Cosmos caudatus K.) herbal tea bags. The experiment was arranged using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a single factor, namely drying temperature at 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80°C with three replications, resulting in 15 experimental units. Kenikir leaves were dried prior to formulation with green tea (50%), kenikir leaves (30%), and jasmine (20%). Treatments at 40°C and 50°C were not further analyzed due to moisture content exceeding the standard limit (>8%). The analyses included moisture content, yield, total phenolic content (Folin–Ciocalteu method), total flavonoid content (AlCl₃ method), antioxidant activity (DPPH method), and sensory evaluation (color, aroma, and taste). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 5% significance level followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results showed that increasing drying temperature significantly decreased moisture content and yield (p<0.05), while increasing total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The highest antioxidant activity was observed at 60°C with an inhibition value of 33.68%, although it was not significantly different among treatments (p>0.05). Meanwhile, the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents were obtained at 80°C. Sensory evaluation indicated that the 80°C treatment had the highest level of panelist preference. In conclusion, drying temperature significantly affects the chemical and sensory characteristics of formulated herbal tea, with 60–80°C considered the optimal range depending on the evaluated parameters.]]>
