Main conclusion Nutrient-rich neglected and underutilized plant species could help transform food systems, provided science and policy are better connected, and greater coordination exists among the diverse stakeholders working with these species.
Türkiye represents one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, containing over 11,000 species of plants, with an estimated 10% being edible. Wild food plants, especially in rural areas, are collected and eaten or sold in local markets, complementing people’s diets, and represent a source of additional income for foraging households. Yet, the use of wild food plants is declining, with both their dietary and cultural values being undermined. Wild food plants can be used as a healthy dietary alternative to imported and ultra-processed foods, particularly as the Turkish population increasingly suffers from diet-related diseases. Using a unique and innovative approach to mainstream biodiversity for food and nutrition, wild food plants from five different regions of Türkiye were analyzed to determine their nutrient composition, and to evaluate their contribution not only to diets and nutrition, but to promoting a more sustainable food system. Examples are presented of how the approach was put into practice and how action was taken to (i) strengthen the evidence of the nutritional value of wild food plants; (ii) use this knowledge to shape new policies and identify emerging markets for food biodiversity; and, (iii) improve awareness of consumers, using capacity building and farmer training, gastronomy, and cultural events.
The term “thyme” does not refer to herbs that belong to a single species. The genera Thymus, Origanum, Satureja and Thymbra of the family Labiatae are traditionally named as thyme and locally known as ‘kekik’. Unlike Turkey, these species are globally called differently. Spices made of Origanum, Thymus and Satureja are called oregano, thyme and savory, respectively. It is often difficult to differentiate them because of their similar smell and appearance. Most commercial products traded as a mixture of those genera and the mixing together of different species may lead to economically motivated adulteration and a product of reduced value. The species were analysed by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS and a comprehensive statistical workflow was designed. The data of methanolic extracts were assessed and an extraction algorithm was employed for the processing of raw data. Five species were discriminated using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The results of PCA and HCA were consistent with each other. Twenty-one metabolites were determined for the discrimination.
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