Physicochemical, agronomical and microbiological evaluation of alternative growing media for the production of rapini (Brassica rapa L.) microgreens

Abstract

TF and JKF may be valid alternatives to peat and STG because both ensured a competitive yield, low nitrate content and a similar or higher microbiological quality. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Zinc and Iron Agronomic Biofortification of Brassicaceae Microgreens

“…Consequently, the single shoot mean fresh weight was highest in red cabbage and lowest for arugula, which had the lowest yield and the highest shoot population density, despite the fact that both Brassica species did not differ in terms of fresh yield. Fresh yield and single-shoot fresh weight values in the present study were comparable or higher than those observed in the case of rapini microgreens grown in a similar growing system with the same standard nutrient solution [59]. Dry matter content was higher in red cabbage, followed by arugula, and red mustard, and observed values were in the same range of values observed for rapini microgreens grown in a greenhouse using a similar growing system and the same standard nutrient solution [59].…”

“…In recent years, microgreens have become increasingly popular as a rich source of vitamins, bioactive compounds, and minerals and have rapidly gained the appellative of "super food" or "functional food" [52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60]. Like sprouts, microgreens are a promising crop category for Fe and Zn biofortification [55,57,58].…”

“…The multitude of species suitable for the production of microgreens could guarantee a very rich and complete diet, providing a variety of essential nutrients, while the process of germination with the reduction of phytate as observed in sprouts, and the high content of Fe-and Zn-absorption promoters such as ascorbic acid and β-carotene that characterize microgreens, could assure a high bioavailability of both these trace elements. Although very limited research data is available on microgreen concentrations of Fe and Zn, data reported by Di Gioia et al [54,58] and Xiao et al [56] suggest that while there is significant variability among different genotypes, Brassicaceae species could be considered as a good source of both Fe and Zn, and their actual concentration in young plant tissues is highly influenced by the availability of nutrients during the growth period [55,58,59]. Moreover, Brassicaceae microgreens are very popular, relatively inexpensive, easy to germinate and grow, and have great potential health-benefits thanks to their high content of glucosinolates, vitamins, and polyphenols [46,52,53,[57][58][59]62].…”

“…Although very limited research data is available on microgreen concentrations of Fe and Zn, data reported by Di Gioia et al [54,58] and Xiao et al [56] suggest that while there is significant variability among different genotypes, Brassicaceae species could be considered as a good source of both Fe and Zn, and their actual concentration in young plant tissues is highly influenced by the availability of nutrients during the growth period [55,58,59]. Moreover, Brassicaceae microgreens are very popular, relatively inexpensive, easy to germinate and grow, and have great potential health-benefits thanks to their high content of glucosinolates, vitamins, and polyphenols [46,52,53,[57][58][59]62]. With such considerations, it is worth exploring the efficacy and potential implications of producing Fe and Zn agronomically biofortified Brassicaceae microgreens.…”

Microgreen nutrition, food safety, and shelf life: A review

“…The Amaranthaceae, Apiaceae, and Lamiaceae are also health beneficial, and plants in the Alliaceae and Lamiaceae also produce antimicrobial compounds. Microgreens are usually grown in greenhouses in growing flats containing potting mixes, peat‐based mixes, hydroponic growth medium, or even with recycled textile fiber mats (Di Gioia, De Bellis, Mininni, Santamaria, & Serio, ).…”