The Nutritional Quality Potential of Microgreens, Baby Leaves, and Adult Lettuce: An Underexploited Nutraceutical Source

Nutritional quality profiles of six microgreens

Globally, one in every four individuals faces a deficiency in essential micronutrients. Harvested early from various vegetables, grains, and herbs, microgreens have rich nutritional profiles that can mitigate nutrient deficiencies. Here, we analyzed six microgreens' nutritional profiles for broccoli, black radish, red beet, pea, sunflower, and bean. Ascorbic acid content varied widely, from 32.72 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW) in red beet to 80.45 mg/100 g FW in beans. All microgreens exhibited high macro elements (mg/100 g FW), with potassium ranging from 187.07 to 416.05, magnesium from 45.96 to 86.83, calcium from 67.18 to 148.63, and phosphorus from 2.57 to 4.88. They also contained significant microelements (µg/100 g FW), including iron from 524 to 2610, manganese from 176.32 to 350.56, zinc from 31.92 to 129.78, and copper from 458.84 to 956.34. Glucose content surpassed sucrose and fructose, ranging from 0.114 to 0.580 mg/100 g FW. Among organic acids, citric acid was highest in red beet, succinic acid in beans, and fumaric acid in sunflower. Broccoli microgreens had the highest total phenolic content (825.53 mg GA/100 g FW), while beans had the highest total flavonoid content (758.0 mg RU/100 g FW). Black radish microgreens demonstrated the highest antioxidant capacity. Additionally, volatile aromatic compounds were analyzed across the six microgreen species. These findings highlight the nutritional potential of microgreens, advocating for their inclusion in diets to enhance human health. Red beet microgreens were the richest in organic acids, particularly citric acid, and flavonoids, supporting antioxidant activity, while black radish microgreens exhibited the highest DPPH antioxidant capacity and phenolic content. Bean microgreens stood out for their high ascorbic acid content. Sunflower microgreens had the highest levels of calcium and fumaric acid. Broccoli microgreens were abundant in phenolic compounds and contained high concentrations of iron and manganese. Finally, pea microgreens excelled in phosphorus and copper content.

Therapeutic Potential of Brassica carinata Microgreens Extract in Alleviating Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes in Wistar Rats

Microgreens of Brassica plants have attracted increasing research interest in the management of the prevailing epidemic of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) because of their high nutritional value. This study evaluated the antidiabetic effects of Brassica carinata Microgreens Ethanolic Extract (BMEE) in type-2 diabetic rats. For the normoglycemic assay, rats were divided into five groups and received a single oral dose of 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg of BMEE while the control groups received distilled water and Glibenclamide. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were determined on a weekly basis for 28 days in diabetic rats after treatment with BMEE at 250 and 500 mg/kg dosage levels. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), serum insulin levels, lipid profile and messenger RNA expression levels of Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), Glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), and Nuclear factor kappa light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NFKβ) genes were determined. BMEE did not induce hypoglycemic effects in rats with normal blood glucose levels, but induced antidiabetic activities in the experimental type-2 diabetic rats. BMEE lowered FBG levels, increased oral glucose tolerance, increased insulin sensitization, and reduced insulin resistance. Treatment of diabetic rats with BMEE increased lipid metabolism and relatively higher expression levels of IRS-1 and GLUT2 genes, and led to reduced expression levels of NFKβ in the liver. Overall, this study reports that BMEE has potential as a nutraceutical to be utilized in the management of T2DM.

Green synthesis of Brassica carinata microgreen silver nanoparticles, characterization, safety assessment, and antimicrobial activities

Nanotechnology has been a central focus of scientific investigation over the past decades owing to its versatile applications. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) through plant secondary metabolites is a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach. The present study employed Brassica carinata microgreen extracts (BCME) to promote the reduction of silver nitrate (AgNO3) salt into Brassica carinata microgreen silver nanoparticles (BCM-AgNPs). The physicochemical properties of the biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized through both spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. Furthermore, the antimicrobial property of the biosynthesized AgNPs was assessed against six selected pathogenic microorganisms, and finally, their safety was evaluated on a normal Vero cell line through an MTT cytotoxicity assay. The UV-visible spectrum revealed that BCM-AgNPs exhibited an absorption peak at 420 nm. The potential functional groups involved in the biosynthesis of AgNPs were identified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a spherical nature of the biosynthesized AgNPs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed the crystallinity of the AgNPs, averaging 34.68 nm in size. X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigation further confirmed the crystalline structure of the AgNPs. The zeta potential exhibited a significant value of - 22.5 ± 1.16 mV. Regarding the antimicrobial potential, BCM-AgNPs exhibited promising antimicrobial activity against the tested pathogens, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 62.5 µg/mL observed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Further cytotoxicity assessment of BCM-AgNPs conducted on Vero cells demonstrated their safety. This study presents a novel approach to synthesizing AgNPs using a nutraceutical microgreen, offering a biocompatible and promising alternative for combating multi-drug resistance.

Green light enhances the phytochemical preservation of lettuce during postharvest cold storage

The postharvest lighting environment is a main factor that influences quality preservation for harvested biomass. The objective of this study was to evaluate postharvest changes in bioactive compounds of lettuce with different storage light spectra. The effects of green LEDs with peaks at 500 nm and 530 nm, white LEDs (400-700 nm), and dark storage were evaluated, where light intensity (10 μmol m-2 s-1) and photoperiod (12 h per day) were constant with air temperature at 5°C over the 14 d treatment period. Lettuce stored with 500 nm and 530 nm green LEDs exhibited 1474.5% and 1451.8% (approximately 15.7 and 15.5 times) higher antioxidant activity, respectively, compared to dark storage. Significant improvements in total phenolic content, and 67.5% and 64.8% increases in total soluble solids with 530 nm and 500 nm green LEDs over dark storage were discerned. Exposure to 530 nm green LEDs led to 128.2% (approximately 2.28 times) higher anthocyanin content, a 26.2% increase in carotenoids, and a 95% rise in flavonoid content compared to dark storage. Increases of 26.4% and 16.0% in chlorophyll a content in lettuce stored under 500 nm and 530 nm green LEDs, respectively, and 65.6% and 46.6% rises in the Chlorophyll a/b ratio were observed. Compared to dark storage, green LEDs (500 nm) resulted in a 13.5% higher total chlorophyll content. Findings underscore the positive impact of green LEDs on the nutritional quality of lettuce, providing insight for postharvest practices.

Assessment of bioactive compounds, antioxidant properties and morphological parameters in selected microgreens cultivated in soilless media

The study investigated the effect of soilless media (burlap), on the morphological traits and antioxidant activities of microgreens from Brassicaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Linaceae families. The results revealed significant variations were observed in the selected morphological, biochemical composition, and antioxidant capacity of the microgreens. The radish sango and microgreens showed superior morphological characteristics compared to other microgreens. The elemental composition analysis revealed consistent moisture, ash, fat, fiber, and protein content across all families. The results revealed significant variations in the biochemical composition and antioxidant capacity of the microgreens, depending on the growing medium and between microgreens. Notably, microgreens differed in photosynthetic pigment profiles, with flaxseed and cabbage showing the highest chlorophyll content of 26.59 to 27.18 µg/g, FW and carotenoid content in a range of 3.74 to 6.39 µg/g, FW was observed in microgreens. The radish sango and beetroot microgreens exhibited elevated anthocyanin levels of 27.94-28.25 µmol/100 g, FW. Biochemical analysis indicated varying levels of ascorbic acid (177.58 to 256.46 mg/100 g, FW), total glucosinolate content (4.09 to 47.38 µmol/g, FW), phenolic content (131.44 to 298.56 mg GAE/100 g, FW), and flavonoid content (10.94 to 18.14 mg QUE/100 g, FW) were observed in selected microgreens families. Radish sango microgreens demonstrated the highest DPPH (76.82%, FW) and ABTS (88.49%, FW) radical scavenging activities, indicating superior antioxidant potential. The study showed that Brassicaceae microgreens are particularly rich in bioactive and antioxidant properties. Additionally, studies could assess the economic feasibility and scalability of soilless cultivation methods for microgreens to support their inclusion in sustainable agricultural practices and health-promoting diets.

Enhancing sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) resilience grown in cadmium-contaminated saline soil: a synergistic approach using Moringa leaf extract and effective microorganisms application

Raising soil contamination with cadmium (Cd2+) and salinization necessitates the development of green approaches using bio-elicitors to ensure sustainable crop production and mitigate the detrimental health impacts. Two field trials were carried out to study the individual and combined effects of foliage spraying of Moringa leaf extract (MLE) and soil application of effective microorganisms (EMs) on the physio-biochemical, osmolytes, antioxidants, and performance of sweet potato grown in Cd2+-contaminated salty soil (Cd2+  = 17.42 mg kg-1 soil and soil salinity ECe = 7.42 dS m-1). Application of MLE, EMs, or MLE plus EMs significantly reduced the accumulation of Cd2+ in roots by 55.6%, 50.0%, or 68.1% and in leaves by 31.4%, 27.6%, or 38.0%, respectively, compared to the control. Co-application of MLE and EMs reduced Na+ concentration while substantially raising N, P, K+, and Ca2+ acquisition in the leaves. MLE and EMs-treated plants exhibited higher concentrations of total soluble sugar by 69.6%, free proline by 47.7%, total free amino acids by 29.0%, and protein by 125.7% compared to the control. The enzymatic (SOD, APX, GR, and CAT) and non-enzymatic (phenolic acids, GSH, and AsA) antioxidants increased in plants treated with MLE and/or EMs application. Applying MLE and/or EMs increased the leaf photosynthetic pigment contents, membrane stability, relative water content, water productivity, growth traits, and tuber yield of Cd2+ and salt-stressed sweet potato. Consequently, the integrative application of MLE and EMs achieved the best results exceeding the single treatments recommended in future application to sweet potato in saline soil contaminated with Cd2+.

Impact of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Infection on Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Survival and Phenolics Content-A Case Study in a Horticulture Farm in Poland

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a cause of a prevalent and destructive disease that attacks many horticultural food crops, such as lettuce. This soil-borne necrotrophic fungal pathogen causes significant economic losses in worldwide lettuce production annually. Furthermore, current methods utilized for management and combatting the disease, such as biocontrol, are insufficient. In this study, three cultivars of lettuce (one Crispy and two Leafy cultivars of red and green lettuce) were grown in central Poland (Lodz Voivodeship), a widely known Polish horticultural region. In the summer and early autumn, lettuce cultivars were grown in control and S. sclerotiorum-infected fields. The lettuce cultivars (Templin, Lollo Rossa, and Lollo Bionda) differed phenotypically and in terms of the survival of the fungal infection. The Crispy iceberg Templin was the most susceptible to S. sclerotiorum infection compared to the other cultivars during both vegetation seasons. The total content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and anthocyanins varied among cultivars and fluctuated during infection. Moreover, phenolic content was affected by vegetation season with alterable environmental factors such as air temperature, humidity, soil temperature, and pH. The most increased levels of phenolics, both flavonoids and anthocyanins in infected plants, were observed in the Leafy red Lollo Rossa cultivar in both crops. However, the highest survival/resistance to the fungus was noticed for Lollo Rossa in the summer crop and Lollo Bionda in the autumn crop.

Compost and Phosphorus/Potassium-Solubilizing Fungus Effectively Boosted Quinoa's Physio-Biochemical Traits, Nutrient Acquisition, Soil Microbial Community, and Yield and Quality in Normal and Calcareous Soils

Calcareous soil had sufficient phosphorus and potassium (PK) in different forms due to the high contents of PK-bearing minerals; however, the available PK state was reduced due to its PK-fixation capacity. Compost, coupled with high PK solubilization capacity microbes, is a sustainable solution for bioorganic fertilization of plants grown in calcareous soil. A 2-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of compost (20 t ha-1) with Aspergillus niger through soil drenching (C-AN) along with partial substitution of PK fertilization on quinoa performance in normal and calcareous soils. Treatments included PK100% (72 kg P2O5 ha-1 + 60 kg K2O ha-1 as conventional rate), PK100%+C-AN, PK75%+C-AN, PK50%+C-AN, PK25%+C-AN, and only C-AN in normal and calcareous soils. Results showed that C-AN and reduced PK fertilization (up to 75 or 50%) increased photosynthetic pigments and promoted nutrient acquisition in quinoa grown in calcareous soil. Reduced PK fertilization to 75 or 50% plus C-AN in calcareous soil increased osmoprotectants, nonenzymatic antioxidants, and DPPH scavenging activity of quinoa's leaves compared to the PK0%+C-AN treatment. The integrative application of high PK levels and C-AN enhanced the quinoa's seed nutritional quality (i.e., lipids, carbohydrates, mineral contents, total phenolics, total flavonoids, half maximal inhibitory concentration, and antiradical power) in calcareous soil. At reduced PK fertilization (up to 75 or 50%), application of compost with Aspergillus niger through soil drenching increased plant dry weight by 38.7 or 53.2%, hectoliter weight by 3.0 or 2.4%, seed yield by 49.1 or 39.5%, and biological yield by 43.4 or 33.6%, respectively, compared to PK0%+C-AN in calcareous soil. The highest P-solubilizing microorganism's population was found at PK0%+C-AN in calcareous soil, while the highest Azotobacter sp. population was observed under high PK levels + C-AN in normal soil. Our study recommends that compost with Aspergillus niger as a bioorganic fertilization treatment can partially substitute PK fertilization and boost quinoa's tolerance to salt calcareous-affected soil.

Nutraceutical Potential of Leafy Vegetables Landraces at Microgreen, Baby, and Adult Stages of Development

Nutraceutical compounds present in leafy vegetables have gained substantial attention due to the health benefits they offer beyond their nutritional value. The biosynthesis, composition, and concentration of these compounds vary widely among leafy vegetables and carry the influence of genetic, agronomic, and environmental factors. Recently, micro-vegetables are gaining importance among consumers worldwide and are used in gastronomy at different development stages. Another tendency is the utilization of local genetic resources as an integral component of agricultural biodiversity crucial for sustainable production. The present study identifies the nutraceutical potential of 10 leafy vegetables at the microgreen, baby, and adult development stages using local genetic resources from the Spanish Vegetable Genebank (CITA, Aragón). Specifically, two landraces for each of the following crops were used: chard (Beta vulgaris), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), borage (Borago officinalis), and chicory (Cichorium intybus). The results reinforce the value of traditional local genetics and demonstrate the potential of these leafy vegetables as a source of functional compounds (fatty acids, vitamin C, carotenoids, polyphenols, antioxidant activity, and tocopherols). The observed variability depending on the crop and the developmental stage recommends the necessity of having a varied diet, since each leafy vegetable product offers a unique nutritional profile.

Exogenous Selenium Improves Physio-Biochemical and Performance of Drought-Stressed Phaseolus vulgaris Seeded in Saline Soil

Water and salt stresses are among the most important global problems that limit the growth and production of several crops. The current study aims at the possibility of mitigating the effect of deficit irrigation of common bean plants growing in saline lands by foliar spraying with selenium via the assessment of growth, productivity, physiological, and biochemical measurements. In our study, two field-based trials were conducted in 2017 and 2018 to examine the influence of three selenium (Se) concentrations (0 (Se0), 25 (Se25), and 50 mg L−1 (Se50)) on common bean plants grown under full irrigation (I100 = 100% of the crop evapotranspiration; ETc) and deficit irrigation (I80 = 80% of ETc, and I60 = 60% of ETc). Bean plants exposed to water stress led to a notable reduction in growth, yield, water productivity (WP), water status, SPAD value, and chlorophyll a fluorescence features (Fv/Fm and PI). However, foliar spraying of selenium at 25 or 50 mg L−1 on stressed bean plants attenuated the harmful effects of water stress. The findings suggest that foliage application of 25 or 50 mg L−1 selenium to common bean plants grown under I80 resulted in a higher membrane stability index, relative water content, SPAD chlorophyll index, and better efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm, and PI). Water deficit at 20% increased the WP by 17%; however, supplementation of 25 or 50 mg L−1 selenium mediated further increases in WP up to 26%. Exogenous application of selenium (25 mg L−1 or 50 mg L−1) to water-stressed bean plants elevated the plant defense system component, given that it increased the free proline, ascorbic acid, and glutathione levels, as well as antioxidant enzymes (SOD, APX, GPX, and CAT). It was concluded that the application of higher levels (25 or/and 50 mg L−1) of Se improves plant water status as well as the growth and yield of common beans cultivated in saline soil.

Extending lettuce shelf life through integrated technologies

Lettuce, a leafy vegetable used in cuisines worldwide, is a highly perishable product sensitive to postharvest losses caused by biotic and abiotic factors. The existing technologies and approaches used during plant cultivation, harvest, processing, transportation, and storage can limit the postharvest issues, but further improvements are needed to meet a growing demand for excellent product appearance, combined with superb quality, biosafety, and low economic and environmental cost. This review summarizes our current understanding of lettuce postharvest physiology and genetics with focus on enzymatic discoloration of wounded surfaces and rapid tissue deterioration. Discussed are existing and emerging integrated technologies and approaches that can facilitate achieving outstanding postharvest quality of lettuce products.

Oral acute, sub-acute toxicity and phytochemical profile of Brassica carinata A. Braun microgreens ethanolic extract in Wistar rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Currently, there is a remarkable increase in the consumption of microgreens, (young edible vegetables or herbs), as potential nutraceuticals for the management of diseases. Brassica carinata A. Braun is one of the traditional leafy vegetables cultivated in various parts of Sub- Saharan Africa. The plant is revered for its efficacy in the treatment of wounds and gastrointestinal disorders among other medicinal benefits. It is therefore crucial to characterize Brassica carinata microgreens for their phytoconstituents and ascertain their safety for use.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study evaluated the oral acute and subacute toxicity of Brassica carinata microgreens ethanol extract (BMEE) in Wistar rats and identification of its chemical composition and profile.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For acute toxicity (14 days), rats were grouped into four and received a single oral dose, the control group received distilled water, while others received 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg of BMEE. For the subacute toxicity (28 days), rats in four groups received daily doses of 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg or 1000 mg/kg and distilled water. Daily clinical observations like lethargy and mortality were conducted. Hematological, biochemical, and histopathological evaluations were performed at the end of each experiment. Phytochemical profile was determined using a UV-VIS spectrophotometer and Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis determined the potential bioactive components in the microgreens extract.

RESULTS

In both acute and sub-acute toxicity studies, no mortalities, indications of abnormality, or any treatment related adverse effects were observed at doses of 2000 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 250 mg/kg. The LD₅₀ of BMEE was above 2000 mg/kg. No significant (p > 0.05) changes in the hematological and biochemical parameters of the treated groups compared to the control groups in both studies. Histopathological examination of the liver, kidney, lungs, and heart revealed a normal architecture of the tissues in all the treated animals. Phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of flavonoids (most abundant), phenols and alkaloids. Phytol, linoleic acid, and 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, among other compounds, were identified by GC-MS analysis.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that B. carinata microgreens ethanol extract is nontoxic and found to have several compounds with reported pharmacological significance suggesting safety for use.

Harvest Stage and Brewing Conditions Impact Mineral Content, Phenolic Compounds, and Antioxidant Capacity of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) Herbal Tea

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) is commonly consumed as an herbal tea for its antioxidant health benefits. Young seedlings known as microgreens are popular for their distinct flavors and can contain higher mineral content on a dry weight basis compared to their adult counterparts. However, the use of microgreens for herbal teas has not been previously investigated. In this study, lemon balm was grown to adult and microgreen harvest stages and prepared as herbal teas by brewing with boiled (100 °C) water for 5 minutes and room temperature water (22 °C) for 2 hours. The effects of harvest time and brewing method on the mineral content, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity of lemon balm herbal teas were assessed. Results showed that adult lemon balm tea contained higher total phenolics, total flavonoids, rosmarinic acid, and antioxidant capacity than microgreen teas, with hot preparations containing the highest amounts (p ≤ 0.05). In contrast, microgreen lemon balm teas contained higher amounts of minerals (p ≤ 0.05), including calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, copper, and zinc. In general, brewing conditions did not impact the content of most minerals. Overall, the results support the potential of using dried microgreens as herbal teas. Microgreen lemon balm teas prepared hot and cold offer antioxidant compounds and are richer sources of minerals than adult teas. The ease of growth for microgreens offers consumers the opportunity for home preparation of a novel herbal tea beverage.

Microgreens-A Comprehensive Review of Bioactive Molecules and Health Benefits

Microgreens, a hypothesized term used for the emerging food product that is developed from various commercial food crops, such as vegetables, grains, and herbs, consist of developed cotyledons along with partially expanded true leaves. These immature plants are harvested between 7-21 days (depending on variety). They are treasured for their densely packed nutrients, concentrated flavors, immaculate and tender texture as well as for their vibrant colors. In recent years, microgreens are on demand from high-end restaurant chefs and nutritional researchers due to their potent flavors, appealing sensory qualities, functionality, abundance in vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds, such as ascorbic acid, tocopherol, carotenoids, folate, tocotrienols, phylloquinones, anthocyanins, glucosinolates, etc. These qualities attracted research attention for use in the field of human health and nutrition. Increasing public concern regarding health has prompted humans to turn to microgreens which show potential in the prevention of malnutrition, inflammation, and other chronic ailments. This article focuses on the applications of microgreens in the prevention of the non-communicable diseases that prevails in the current generation, which emerged due to sedentary lifestyles, thus laying a theoretical foundation for the people creating awareness to switch to the recently introduced category of vegetable and providing great value for the development of health-promoting diets with microgreens.

Bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, and mineral content of bróquil: A traditional crop of Brassica oleracea var. italica

Brassicaceae edible plants are rich in bioactive compounds and promote health benefits. However, there is less interest in expanding knowledge about the Brassica cultivars to date. In particular, underutilized species and local cultivars could constitute a source of agrodiversity in adapting to the territory with likely higher contents of nutraceutical compounds. In this context, Bróquil (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is a traditional Brassicaceae crop grown in the Spanish region of Aragón. Currently, it is cultivated mainly in family orchards for autoconsumption and, in minority, in small farms for local markets. This study evaluates a collection of 13 bróquil landraces from the Spanish Vegetable Genebank of the Agrifood Research and Technology Center of Zaragoza (BGHZ-CITA), describing their mineral contents, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities, including a broccoli commercial variety "Parthenon" as the control. The study reports data on the health-promoting nutrients and antioxidants of bróquil for the first time. Under our experimental conditions, we found that bróquil has a great variability for these compounds that showed on average similar or higher levels than the broccoli control. The different bróquil landraces also revealed variability in both intraccessions and interaccessions due to the lack of a formal breeding selection. Despite this variability, we highlight accession HB5 that corresponds to Headed Bróquil BGHZ6685. In particular, we can stand out its antioxidant activity of 87.07 ± 0.81%I, total phenolic content of 13.21 ± 0.53 mg GAE g^-1 dw, total flavonoid content of 14.50 ± 1.29 mg QE g^-1 dw, total glucosinolate content of 43.70 ± 1.09 mg SnE g^-1 dw, and vitamin C content of 7.21 ± 0.13 mg AA g^-1 dw. Regarding bróquil mineral composition, K was the highest macroelement (22.66-33.62 mg g^-1 dw), followed by Ca, P, and S whose values were relatively lower compared to K. Mg and Na showed the lowest values. Among the microelements evaluated (Mn, Zn, and Fe), iron was the most abundant detected, higher in all bróquil accessions than in broccoli, except for one accession. Therefore, the results reported for bróquil landraces show promising nutritional quality. This could lead to an increase in agrobiodiversity and contribute to a more diversified and healthy diet.

The Mixing Ratio and Filling-Amount Affect the Tissue Browning and Antioxidant Properties of Fresh-Cut Baby Leaf Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and Rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.) Grown in Floating Growing Systems

Different types of baby leaf vegetables (BLV) are often mixed and packaged as salad mixes. This work has evaluated the effects of BLV mixing ratios (100% lettuce ‘Lollo Bionda’, 100 LB; 75% lettuce + 25% rocket, 75 LB; 50% lettuce + 50% rocket, 50 LB) and the weight filling amount (125 g filling amount, 125F; 250 g, 250F) on the antioxidant properties and browning potential (BP) of lettuce and rocket baby leaves during storage for 9 days at 4 °C in the dark. The samples were packaged in thermos-sealed bags previously prepared using polypropylene film. The results showed that the 50 LB mix had preserved high amounts of chlorophylls and internal nutrients on d9, regardless of the filling amount. No visible browning symptoms were detected in the 50 LB samples. The 50 LB × 125F mix was found to be the most efficient strategy to maintain the antioxidant property of BLV. Thus, the optimisation of the mixing ratio and its combination with an appropriate filling amount could represent an effective postharvest practice.