Brassicaceae Microgreens: Phytochemical Compositions, Influences of Growing Practices, Postharvest Technology, Health, and Food Applications

Abstract

Our planet is facing food scarcity due to a rapidly growing population. Hence, food production and sources must adapt to accommodate a growing population and a changing climate in addition to being produced year-round in a small space with minimal growing inputs. Brassicaceae microgreens (BM) have a short growth cycle and can quickly grow with minimum inputs in a small area year-round, which make them an ideal candidate to diversify global nutrition and adapt to global climate change and urbanization. There is a growing interest in incorporating BM into daily diets as a source of phytochemicals and other nutrients. The phytochemicals in BM possess various biological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory, which has piqued the interest of health-conscious consumers and researchers. Several growing conditions and postharvest practices have influenced the concentration of phytochemicals in BM. This review contains up-to-date information about the proximate compositions, phytochemicals contents, growing practices of BM, possible shelf life extending mechanisms, and their application in novel food product development and health benefits.

A comprehensive review on the antioxidant activities and health benefits of microgreens: current insights and future perspectives

“…Microgreens are gaining global popularity as fresh, readily consumable functional and nutraceutical foods, as well as dietary supplements (Dereje et al, 2023;Gupta et al, 2023). Their richness in phytochemicals, including polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals, gives them great potential to diversify and enhance the human diet and address nutrient deficiencies (Bhaswant et al, 2023).…”

Brassica microgreens cabbage (Brassica oleracea), radish (Raphanus sativus) and rocket (Eruca vesicaria) (L.) Cav: application of red‐light emitting diodes lighting during postharvest storage and in vitro digestion on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity

“…Consequently, the nutritional quality of microgreens is likely to be influenced by the combination of biochemical modifications during postharvest storage and digestive processes (Dereje et al ., 2023). Thus, it is imperative to investigate changes in predominant bioactive compounds following in vitro gastrointestinal processing compared to raw microgreen samples.…”

Role of Analytical and Organic Chemistry Supporting the Challenges in Food Preservation and Safety

“…By examining innovative approaches for future agriculture, the review focused on different aspects of Brassicaceae microgreens to identify an interesting approach to ensure their production because they are a source of healthpromoting phytochemicals. 10 The examples herewith cited showed the relevance of analytical and organic chemistry in overcoming the challenges of the food industry effectively and quickly. Food waste reduction would contribute to food security for all of the world's inhabitants and the protection of the environment.…”

“…Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the positive effect of naringin and silybin B through noncovalent interactions. By examining innovative approaches for future agriculture, the review focused on different aspects of Brassicaceae microgreens to identify an interesting approach to ensure their production because they are a source of health-promoting phytochemicals …”