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Micro-scale vegetable production and the rise of microgreens
Abstract
Background Interest in fresh, functional foods is on the rise, compelled by the growing interest of consumers for diets that support health and longevity. Microgreens garner immense potential for adapting leafy vegetable production to a micro-scale and for improving nutritional value in human diet. Scope and approach Major preharvest factors of microgreens production, such as species selection, fertilization, biofortification, lighting and growth stage at harvest are addressed with respect to crop physiology and quality, as well as postharvest handling and applications, temperature, atmospheric composition, lighting and packaging technology which influence shelf-life and microbial safety. Key prospects for future research aiming to enhance quality and shelf-life of microgreens are highlighted. Key findings and conclusions Effective non-chemical treatments for seed surface sterilization and antimicrobial action, pre-sowing treatments to standardize and shorten the production cycle and crop-specific information on the interaction of sowing rate with yield and quality deserve further attention. Indigenous landraces, underutilized crops and wild edible plants constitute a vast repository for selection of genetic material for microgreens. Modular fertilization may fortify microgreens bioactive content and augment their sensorial attributes. Pre- and postharvest select-waveband, intensity and photoperiod combinations can elicit compound-specific improvements in functional quality and in shelf-life. Research is needed to identify effective sanitizers and drying methods non-abusive on quality and shelf-life for commercialization of ready-to-eat packaged microgreens. Genotypic variability in postharvest chilling sensitivity and the interactions of temperature, light conditions and packaging gas permeability should be further examined to establish environments suppressive on respiration but preventive of off-odor development.
... Microgreens are young or immature plants grown for culinary use (e.g., flavor, nutrition, aesthetics) ) that can aid human health through increased consumption (Bhatt and Sharma 2018;Ebert 2022;Kyriacou et al. 2016;Pattnaik et al. 2020;Sharma et al. 2022;Zhang et al. 2021). Several studies have addressed the nutritional benefits of microgreens and their potential to address malnutrition and chronic diseases (Sharma et al. 2022;Teng et al. 2021). ...
... Controlled environments include greenhouses, where the primary light source, sunlight, can be supplemented with electrical lighting, and indoor settings, where sole-source electrical lighting is used. Within these two production settings, environmental and cultural production methods (e.g., water, light, fertilizer, pesticides) can be carefully controlled and manipulated for optimal growth, esthetics, flavor, and nutrition (Ebert 2022;Kyriacou et al. 2016;Teng et al. 2021). In turn, this may impact consumer demand for microgreens depending on the interest in microgreens that exhibit different characteristics (Wani et al. 2022). ...
... For instance, the Brassica microgreen nutrient content has been enhanced using different light manipulations (Ebert 2022;Samuolien_ e et al. 2019). Fertilizer composition, concentration, and timing can be adjusted to improve the bioactive phytochemical content (e.g., glucosinolates), nutrition, and sensory characteristics for different microgreen crops (Kyriacou et al. 2016), including spinach (Spinacia oleracea) (Petropoulos et al. 2021) and cress microgreens (Raphanus sativus and Lepidium sativum) (Keutgen et al. 2021). In summary, the quick turnaround time and ability to modify characteristics via production manipulations could make them particularly desirable to growers who are targeting health-conscious markets. ...
Microgreens are young plants used as ingredients and flavoring in various dishes. Their production time is short, and their production methods can be altered to enhance the nutritional content. To date, consumers’ preferences for microgreens that display different esthetic and nonesthetic traits have not been addressed. Additionally, consumers’ perceived risk of production methods used to enhance nutrition has not been investigated. An online survey and choice experiment involving a sample of 821 consumers in Tennessee were performed to investigate these topics. A mixed logit model was used to analyze the data. Both esthetic and nonesthetic traits influenced the consumers’ preferences. Green microgreens were preferred and valued more than light or dark purple microgreens. When fertilizer was used during production to enhance nutrients, consumers perceived the microgreens as riskier to the environment and for personal consumption relative to microgreens with light-induced nutrient enhancement. Using lighting during production to enhance nutrients generated a 0.79 premium relative to no nutrient enhancement. In general, if participants’ perceived risk aligned with the nutrient enhancement attribute (i.e., light, fertilizer), then their willingness to pay for the microgreens decreased. This was amplified for the fertilizer nutrient enhancement attribute more than it was for the light enhancement attribute. In-state production and microgreen height also impacted consumer preferences for microgreens.
... Different factors such as seed type and light play key roles in microgreen production (6), and the main cost is related to using a large amount of high-quality raw materials (that is, seeds). The seed species quality refers to the amount of bioactive and photochemical compounds and even the properties of microgreen tissue (6). ...
... Different factors such as seed type and light play key roles in microgreen production (6), and the main cost is related to using a large amount of high-quality raw materials (that is, seeds). The seed species quality refers to the amount of bioactive and photochemical compounds and even the properties of microgreen tissue (6). The production yield and nutritional value of microgreens can be improved using organic and biological fertilizers like that containing selenium (7). ...
... After harvesting, some factors such as lighting can greatly affect the shelf life and microbial safety of microgreens (6). In addition, the exposing of fresh vegetable crops to light in selling centers like supermarkets has an important impact on their shelf life, phytochemical composition and quality (organoleptic properties) (6). ...
... During germination, the trays are kept in a less humid, and well-lit environment, generally receiving 12-16 h of light per day. The quality, flavor, nutritional content, aroma, and color of microgreens are greatly influenced by the intensity, duration, and wavelength of light they receive (Kyriacou et al., 2016). Microgreens are highly perishable once harvested as their shelf life is limited to 2-3 days at room temperature, hence, to increase the shelf life which can last up to 14 days, it is stored at around 4 • C as soon as harvested (Sharma et al., 2022). ...
... Microgreen cultivation requires proper lighting for the seedlings, with an optimal temperature of 25-30 • C and relative humidity (RH) of 60-70% (Kyriacou et al., 2016). The initial phase of the germination process of microgreens requires a dark environment for a minimum of 3 days, after which, they are exposed to adequate light, with daily light exposure of 12-16 h, to promote growth . ...
... Microgreens, being a highly nutritious and rapidly growing plant variety, have gained the attention of researchers in NASA to combat the limited resources of food and psychological requirements of crew members on orbital flights. (Kyriacou et al., 2016). Cultivating microgreens in space still requires extensive research to fully overcome the challenges of sanitation, water resources, excessive use of seeds, enhancing the shelf life of microgreens, etc. Microgreens have a comparatively shorter shelf life and can be easily grown. ...
Green leafy vegetables, especially microgreens are gaining popularity due to their high nutritional profiles, rich phytochemical content, and intense flavors. This review explores the growing commercial market for microgreens, especially in upscale dining and premium grocery outlets, highlighting consumer perceptions and their effect on market dynamics. Apart from these, the effect of modern agricultural methods that maximize the growth of microgreens is also examined. The value is anticipated to increase significantly, according to market predictions, from 2.61 billion by 2029. Positive consumer views on microgreens health benefits drive this growth, although challenges such as varying levels of consumer awareness and income disparities affect sales. The review underscores the need for targeted research and strategic initiatives to enhance consumer understanding and improve cultivation methods to support market expansion in upcoming years.
... One food that has attracted attention is the "microscale" vegetable (Kyriacou et al., 2016). Sprouts and microgreens are fresh, ready-to-eat, functional, and nutritious. ...
... In contrast, microgreens require light and growth medium and have a long growth cycle (Ebert, 2012). Microgreens are becoming increasingly popular because they are reported to be richer in beneficial components than their mature counterparts (Kyriacou et al., 2016). In Japan, microgreens such as broccoli sprouts, kaiware daikon (Japanese radish), and pea shoots have risen in popularity; furthermore, the pea shoot is known as a vegetable that can be successfully "regrown." ...
Pea seedlings (Pisum sativum L.) are young pea plants with the potential for sustainable cultivation; these plants are cost‐effective and provide high nutritional value. Although numerous studies have explored the nutritional content and functionality of pea seedlings, a few reports exist on the regrowth of pea seedlings after the initial harvest of their edible parts. Hence, this study aimed to elucidate the effect of the growing environment during recultivation on the properties and functionalities of pea seedlings. The non‐edible parts of commercially acquired pea seedlings were recultivated in three different environments: (1) indoors under sunlight during the day, (2) indoors with only artificial fluorescent light, and (3) in a dark room. The edible parts of the recultivated seedlings were extracted with methanol, and the antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay. Plants grown in environment 1 exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. The antioxidant components of pea seedlings were identified to be kaempferol glycoside (1), quercetin glycoside (3), and their respective p‐coumaroyl acylated glycosides (2 and 4). This determination was made by separating the components via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry using activity as an indicator. An analysis of these components across the studied environments revealed that the isolated quantities of components 2 and 4 were 2.7‐ and 6.2‐fold greater, respectively, from the plants recultivated in environment 1 than those recultivated in environment 2. This study highlights the importance of the recultivation environment on the production of plant functional components.
... These different growing conditions can influence nutrient content quality and yield. Previous studies have explored the effect of light on phytochemical synthesis and yield [3,[19][20][21][22]. ...
... Several varieties of microgreens are offered at the commercial scale; however, most of the research comprises a limited number of varieties, and the most studied taxa belong to the Brassicaceae family, with a lesser emphasis on the Chenopodiaceae family [19]. Genetic traits can directly impact the chemical composition and quality within the same taxa. ...
An exponential growth in global population is expected to reach nine billion by 2050, demanding a 70% increase in agriculture productivity, thus illustrating the impact of global crop production on the environment and the importance of achieving greater agricultural yields. Globally, the variety of high-quality microgreens is increasing through indoor farming at both small and large scales. The major concept of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) seeks to provide an alternative to traditional agricultural cultivation. Microgreens have become popular in the twenty-first century as a food in the salad category that can fulfil some nutrient requirements. Microgreens are young seedlings that offer a wide spectrum of colours, flavours, and textures, and are characterised as a “functional food” due to their nutraceutical properties. Extensive research has shown that the nutrient profile of microgreens can be desirably tailored by preharvest cultivation and postharvest practices. This study provides new insight into two major categories, (i) environmental and (ii) cultural, responsible for microgreens’ growth and aims to explore the various agronomical factors involved in microgreens production. In addition, the review summarises recent studies that show these factors have a significant influence on microgreens development and nutritional composition.
... Notably, A common discrepancy among proximate composition, bioactive compounds, and minerals is contingent upon various factors, including genotype, environmental conditions, germination methods, storage, and postharvest processing. Unlike sprouts, microgreens are cultivated within controlled environments, such as greenhouses or open settings, utilizing soil or alternative growth substrates, and are exposed to light throughout their growth cycle (Vastakaite et al., 2015;Kyriacou et al., 2016;Eswaranpillai et al., 2023). ...
... Light quality affects many aspects of plant growth, morphology, color, flavor, and nutrition (Kyriacou et al., 2016). Vastakaite et al. (2015) reported that application of blue (447 nm) LED Alrifai et al. (2019) explain that red, blue, and combined red plus blue light are more effective than white light and other wavelengths for enhancing photosynthesis and regulating plant metabolism. ...
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) addresses modern farming challenges, such as climate change, diminishing arable land, rising costs, and pest issues, thus, it becomes vital to meet global food demand. Microgreens, a subset of CEA in the commercial scale, have surged in popularity due to their rapid growth, typically maturing in 7 to 21 days, and their nutritional value, rich in phytochemicals, vitamins, and antioxidants, turning them into superfoods. This review explores the potential of microgreens in the Philippines, emphasizing their integration into the Filipino Food Plate as well as promotion of indigenous vegetables and legumes such as pansit-pansitan, tapilan, bataw, patani, samsamping, sigarilyas, kadios, paayap, saluyot, ulasiman, alugbati, and talinum. This initiative will support local farmers in diversifying crops and engaging in the growing microgreen market. The review calls for action in the Philippines to adopt microgreen production, stimulate innovation, and bolster local agriculture and communities. It underscores the importance of indigenous crops and encourages researchers, entrepreneurs, and farmers to participate in the microgreen movement.
... However, numerous greenhouses throughout the world now cultivate microgreens. Since the year 2000, when the term "functional foods" was coined, microgreens have been widely recognized as a source of health and longevity [17]. They are currently utilized extensively in the agricultural system to produce a wide range of goods [18][19][20]. ...
... Fig. 1 depicts a variety of manufacturing methods used in various facilities. Currently, Amaranthaceae, Brassicaceae, and Fabaceae species and cultivars account for the bulk of microgreen production [17,22]. ...
... Microgreens give rise to unique features such as flavors, colors, and textures (Delian et al., 2015;Weber, 2017). It was also described as "vegetable confetti" since it accented the dishes (Treadwell et al., 2010;Kyriacou et al., 2016;Charlesbois, 2018). ...
... Several studies have revealed that microgreens are considered nutritious foods due to their elevated amount of secondary metabolite profiles than their mature counterparts (Kyriacou et al., 2016). Barrios-González (2018) defined secondary metabolites as chemical compounds with diverse and complex chemical compositions produced by plants that are not explicitly required during normal development. ...
... Microgreens can be defined as young and tender edible seedlings [4], harvested for consumption at 10-20 days of emergence [5], and usually cultivated with soilless systems with or without fertilisers and agrochemicals [6,7]. Differently from the "baby leaf" greens [8], "microgreens", is only a marketing term that refers to the commercial category of product for the consumers without a current legal definition [1]. ...
... Crop types and production are diversified through different cultivation techniques and environments, e.g., polytunnel, greenhouse, growing media, artificial and/or natural light [7,[9][10][11]. Significant attention must be paid to the specifics of cultivation techniques, among which the most important include selection of species [12], substrates [13], light regimes [11,14,15], irrigation and fertilisation [16,17], as well as sowing density [18,19]. ...
Microgreens represent a valuable agrifoods niche. Their cropping cycle is shorter than that of baby leaf greens, but the sowing density is typically much higher, and this has important cost implications for the grower. The current research demonstrates that the choice of sowing density strongly influences yield, as well as developmental stage and other quality parameters. Results also depended on the choice of the species and landrace. Considering the cost of seed, the option of accessing locally available landraces becomes particularly intriguing, again with relevant implications in choosing seed density. Rapini (landraces Cima grande and Fasanese), kale (landraces Barese and Altamura), and commercial cress were grown in an indoor environment. The effects of the three sowing densities (from 3 to 5 seeds∙cm−2) and the growing cycle (earlier harvest, 11 days from sowing, or later harvest, 14 days from sowing) on the microgreen yield and quality were studied. Sowing density affected yield (+19% at highest vs. lowest density), dry matter (but only with a longer cycle, and variable by landrace, with Fasanese rapini landrace 7% more than the Cima grande landrace), developmental stage, and soil coverage. The effects of sowing density can be modulated by cycle duration. Crop heights were 25% and 44% greater for the longer cycle of the Cima grande and Fasanese rapini landraces, respectively. In conclusion, the choices of the species/landrace and seed density must be carefully evaluated given costs and outcomes, with potential for the production of different final products (e.g., microgreens at earlier or later stages, other characteristics) and also for control over costs.
... Besides their nutritional properties, microgreens are characterized by their easy and short cultivation [18]. They germinate easily and grow quickly, so they can be grown without substrate, fertilizer, or pesticides [19]. In light of the above, Fabek Uher et al. [20] have also found that the commercial production of microgreens is more sustainable under greenhouse growing conditions, especially in hydroponics, mainly because the strictly controlled growing conditions in such areas allow for faster growth, i.e., higher yields of plant biomass and earlier harvesting in more product cycles, which ultimately has a positive effect on yield, but also on a more favorable chemical composition. ...
... Microgreens are rich in nutrients, especially in a variety of bioactive compounds and antioxidants [11,19]. It is worth mentioning that microgreens have a significantly higher content of specialized metabolites compared to the later phenophases of the plant (e.g., technological maturity) [49], which are strongly influenced by light wavelengths under greenhouse cultivation conditions. ...
With its quality, intensity, and photoperiod, light is a decisive abiotic factor that directly influences plant biomass and the accumulation of specialized metabolites (SMs). Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) has significant effects on primary and secondary plant metabolism and thus influences the morphological characteristics of plants and their antioxidant systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of blue, red, and a 50:50 combination of blue and red LED lighting on the SM content in broccoli, mustard, and garden cress microgreens grown in an indoor farm using the zero-acreage farming technique (ZFarming). This research aims to provide valuable insights into the optimization of light spectra to improve the nutritional quality of microgreens, with a focus on sustainable and space-saving cultivation methods. After eight days, the samples were cut in the cotyledon phenophase and analyzed in a fresh state. The microgreens grown under the blue spectrum LED lighting had the highest content of ascorbic acid (112.70 mg·100 g fw−1), total phenolics (412.39 mg GAE·100 g fw−1), and the highest antioxidant capacity (2443.62 µmol TE·L−1). The results show that the highest content of SMs in all the studied microgreens species was accumulated under the blue spectrum LED lighting. This study underlines the favorable influence of the blue spectrum (400–500 nm) on the nutrient content, especially the enhancement of SMs, in the microgreens investigated. Furthermore, the use of supplemental LED lighting proves to be a sustainable and effective means of producing microgreens with superior nutritional properties through the innovative practice of the zero-acreage farming technique.
... Microgreens also produce less waste as they do not contain stems and leaves when preparing meals (Weber, 2017). At both micro and macro scales, growing microgreens in containers allows for the commercialization of microgreens that are harvested fresh for consumption, bypassing many of the harvest and post-harvest handling issues associated with mature vegetables (Kyriacou et al., 2016;Di Gioia et al., 2017). ...
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) microgreens have become known as a potent source of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds with numerous health benefits. The microgreens industry has traditionally favored popular microgreens from the Brassicaceae family such as kale, rocket, and broccoli. Sunflower microgreens are characterized by their richness in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that contribute significantly to a nutritious diet. However, their nutrient content can be influenced by various factors, including growing conditions and lighting. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) offer precise control of light spectrum, light intensity, and lighting duration, enabling customized lighting systems optimized for growing sunflower microgreens. Pre-treatment and optimal harvest timing affect the quality and yield of microgreens, and sunflower microgreens are no exception. Accordingly, sunflower microgreens are typically harvested within 7 days of cultivation, making them ideal for mass production. The use of LED technology in the cultivation of microgreens offers the opportunity to further enhance their nutritional value and therapeutic potential. This review provides an overview of the benefits of sunflowers, sunflower microgreens, pre-treatments, and the ideal harvest period. The potential improvements from LED lighting are discussed and its impact on human health is explained.
... Amarillydaceae, Amaranthceae and Cucurbitaceae families(Kyriacou et al., 2016), especially broccoli, cabbage, radish and arugula from the Brassicaceae family(Di Bella et al., 2021).Arugula (Eruca sativa) is an annual herb native to the Mediterranean area, ...
Microgreens are easy to produce due to their small space requirements, short growing period, low nutrient and growth medium requirements. For their production, light energy is considered one of the main factors in plant development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the development and quality of radish and arugula microgreens under different exposure times to light-emitting diode (LED) lighting. Pigment levels were determined: chlorophylls, carotenoids, flavonoids and anthocyanins. Chlorophylls a and b decreased with the increase in photoperiod and had higher levels over the days of growth. Total chlorophyll also increased as the microgreens grew. The carotenoid content was negatively affected by the increase in photoperiod in relation to the days. There was a tendency for flavonoids to accumulate as the days passed and the photoperiod increased. A reduction in anthocyanins was observed with increasing exposure time to LED light for radish microgreens, the opposite of what was observed for arugula. In general, the recommended exposure time to LED light for producing radish and arugula microgreens was 16 hours and harvesting on the 6th DAP.
... The result showed that extended exposure to LED light for 12-18 hours increases the accumulation of total soluble solids in Vigna radiata microgreens due to the extension of the photosynthetic process, which increases the synthesis of sugars and other soluble chemicals. This finding is supported by empirical research, which shows that extended photoperiods increase carbohydrate synthesis in plants, resulting in a higher concentration of total soluble solids [11] [12]. Regardless, the microgreen that did not receive dark phase treatment produced the best total soluble solids value (3.83°Brix) at four days after planting, which was significantly different from microgreen plants that received dark phase treatment. ...
This study examines the effects of varying LED durations and the seedling’s dark phase on microgreen mung bean growth rate, yield, and quality. Conducted in December 2023 at the Laboratory of Microgreen Cultivation, Jl. Joyo Agung, Malang, at an elevation of approximately 625 meters, the study utilized a box experiment with a split-plot design. The primary variable was the length of the LED dark phase (0, 12, and 18 hours), while the subplot focused on the early seedling dark phase treatment (two 24-hour dark phases and no dark phase). Analysis of variance showed no significant interaction between LED exposure time and blackout treatment, except for plant texture. The best plant texture (6.10 mm/s) was achieved with 18 hours of exposure and an early-stage dark period. LED light exposure influenced the total fresh weight, total dry weight, and total soluble solids of the plants. The 12-hour exposure produced the highest total fresh weight (85.15 g), while the 18-hour exposure resulted in the highest total dry weight (6.28 g), crown dry weight (5.70 g), and total soluble solids at 4 and 6 days after sowing (8.80oBrix and 8.27oBrix, respectively).
... Hence, detecting new trends and potential for niche products is an excellent hobby for agricultural producers, extension specialists, and specialty researchers. As per multiple research papers (Kyriacou et [4,5,6] , micro-greens have recently gained popularity as a new type of product. When the first true leaves emerge, 7-14 days following planting, the edible seedlings are harvested. ...
Micro-greens are a term used to refer to a new type of food product made from different commercial food crops like vegetables, cereals, and herbs, and consist of partially developed true leaves and cotyledons. It takes 7-21 days to harvest these young plants, with the time varying based on the cultivar. They are highly valued not only for their bright colors but also for their rich flavors, delicate and smooth texture, and densely packed nutrients. Micro-greens have gained popularity among chefs and nutritional researchers in high-end restaurants due to their strong flavors, enticing sensory attributes, usefulness, and abundance in vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive substances like ascorbic acid, tocopherol, carotenoids, folate, tocotrienols, phylloquinones, anthocyanins, and glucosinolates. Many research projects on micro-greens, including evaluations of nutritional content, build-up of metabolites, potential as nutraceuticals, and methods for extending shelf life, are detailed in scientific literature. The growth of micro-greens, along with their nutrient profile, antioxidant activity, and metabolite content, was significantly improved by a combination of physical, chemical, biological, and culture factors. Scientists have investigated the fundamental biological mechanisms and potential genes associated with nutrients, specific metabolites, stress tolerance, prolonging shelf life, and resistance to diseases in nutraceutical plants through the analysis of omics data. Micro-greens and sprouts have similar attributes, and although they have not been linked to any instances of foodborne illness, there have been seven recent recalls involving them. Therefore, there is a possibility of transmitting foodborne pathogens, so precautions must be taken in production to decrease the chances of these incidents. A significant obstacle to the expansion of the micro-green sector is the quick decline in quality that happens shortly after harvesting, leading to elevated prices and limiting sales to local markets. After being harvested, micro-greens quickly dry out, shrivel, rot, and rapidly deplete specific nutrients. Research has explored preharvest and postharvest interventions, such as calcium treatments, modified atmosphere packaging, temperature control, and light, to maintain quality, augment nutritional value, and extend shelf life.
... In Asian countries, the consumption of fresh microgreens is common, while in European countries it is somewhat rarer, but awareness of fresh, functional foods is growing, so the use of microgreens is becoming more common on all continents. The most common microgreens in the diet so far are those from the families Brassicaceae, Asteraceae, Chenopodiaceae, Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, Amarillydaceae, Amaranthaceae and Cucurbitaceae [6]. Since very little information is available on the bioaccessibility of compounds and the antioxidant potential of microgreens after digestion [7], and, to the best of our knowledge, there are no data on their antidiabetic potential upon digestion at all, it is necessary to analyze the same to make the knowledge on their biopotential more complete. ...
The aim of this study was to compare the concentration of phenolic compounds, glucosinolates, proteins, sugars and vitamin C between kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. acephala gongylodes), Savoy cabbage (B. oleracea sabauda), Brussels sprouts (B. oleracea gemmifera), cauliflower (B. oleracea botrytis), radish (Raphanus sativus) and garden cress (Lepidium sativum) microgreens for their antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential. In addition, we applied an in vitro-simulated system of human digestion in order to track the bioaccessibility of the selected phenolic representatives, and the stability of the microgreens’ antioxidant and hypoglycemic potential in terms of α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition after each digestion phase. Using spectrophotometric and RP-HPLC methods with statistical analyses, we found that garden cress had the lowest soluble sugar content, while Savoy cabbage and Brussels sprouts had the highest glucosinolate levels (76.21 ± 4.17 mg SinE/g dm and 77.73 ± 3.33 mg SinE/g dm, respectively). Brussels sprouts were the most effective at inhibiting protein glycation (37.98 ± 2.30% inhibition). A very high positive correlation (r = 0.830) between antiglycation potential and conjugated sinapic acid was recorded. For the first time, the antidiabetic potential of microgreens after in vitro digestion was studied. Kohlrabi microgreens best inhibited α-amylase in both initial and intestinal digestion (60.51 ± 3.65% inhibition and 62.96 ± 3.39% inhibition, respectively), and also showed the strongest inhibition of α-glucosidase post-digestion (19.22 ± 0.08% inhibition). Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and radish had less stable α-glucosidase than α-amylase inhibitors during digestion. Kohlrabi, Savoy cabbage, and garden cress retained inhibition of both enzymes after digestion. Kohlrabi antioxidant capacity remained unchanged after digestion. The greatest variability was seen in the original samples, while the intestinal phase resulted in the most convergence, indicating that digestion reduced differences between the samples. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of various microgreens as sources of bioactive compounds with antidiabetic and antiglycation properties. Notably, kohlrabi microgreens demonstrated significant enzyme inhibition after digestion, suggesting their promise in managing carbohydrate metabolism and supporting metabolic health.
... These plants contain significant amounts of important bioactive compounds and minerals [5], often being higher than adult plants of the same species [6], since they receive only light treatments [7] and are preceded by the germination stage [8]. This crop has a fast production cycle [9] and can be produced in greenhouses, in soil, or, more commonly, in soilless systems using solid organic or inorganic growing media or hydroponics [10], demonstrating the potential of these products to adapt the production of leafy vegetables to different scales [11]. If they are produced hydroponically, the soil is replaced by a substrate and seedlings are fed with a solution containing all the essential elements for their growth [12], allowing them to be grown organically [13]. ...
(1) Background: Cultivating microgreens is emerging as an excellent market opportunity. Their easy, short, and sustainable production methods are the main reasons they are approved by growers. However, a feature that still prevents its further spread is the microbiological risk and their rapid senescence. The present study was conducted to evaluate the post-harvest storage and shelf life of arugula microgreens in different packaging through microbiological, physico-chemical, and sensory parameters; (2) Methods: Plants were stored at 5 °C in open air, vacuum sealed, and under modified atmosphere bags and tested at 0, 3, 5, 7, and 10 days; (3) Results: Microgreens stored in all packaging were safe for consumption within ten days. Regarding physical and chemical parameters, open packaging proved to be promising, with less weight loss and slower chlorophyll degradation. The sensory analysis demonstrated that the microgreens stored in the vacuum-sealed packaging showed a decrease in quality from the fifth day onwards for all attributes. However, the MAP presented good scores with a better visual quality, similar to the fresh microgreens.
... This technology is based on nutrient augmentation, is cost-effective, has a short growth cycle, is high in density, and requires minimal chemical input, all aligning with the fundamental dietary needs of humans (Verlinden 2020;Ebert 2022;Sharma et al. 2022;Dereje et al. 2023). Many microgreens are excellent sources of essential minerals for human health, provide dietary fiber to aid digestion, enrich diets with vitamins and antioxidant compounds, and contain secondary metabolites that may have therapeutic benefits (Kyriacou et al. 2016;Khoja et al. 2020;Corrado et al. 2022;Rai et al. 2022;Singh et al. 2023). Therefore, candidate microgreen species and genotypes have been evaluated for their efficiency in increasing mineral composition (Bhaswant et al. 2023;Chunthawodtiporn et al. 2023;Gupta et al. 2023) and antioxidant activities (Yadav et al. 2019). ...
The objective of this study was to investigate the potential impact of exogenous iron (Fe) supplementation on the Fe concentration and health-promoting properties of sunflower and water spinach microgreens.
Seven-day-old sunflower and water spinach seedlings were grown in a plant growth incubator (25°C ambient temperature, 65 ± 5% relative humidity, 12 h d−1 photoperiod with 150 µmol m−2 s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density). These were directly exposed to different concentrations of FeSO4 (0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mM Fe) in the culture solution for eight days prior to microgreen harvesting.
The total Fe content of sunflower microgreens treated with 0.2 mM Fe increased significantly by 3.01-fold compared to the control. Interestingly, 0.3 mM Fe treatment significantly reduced α-tocopherol and total tocopherol concentrations in microgreens by 23% and 61% compared to the control. Further, Fe treatment significantly reduced calcium and potassium levels. The water spinach microgreens exposed to 0.3 mM Fe application had a maximum Fe concentration of 144 µg g−1 DW, which was 3.87 times greater than the control, resulting in chlorophyll pigment impairment, total carotenoids degradation, and tocopherol reduction. In addition, the 0.2 mM Fe treatment resulted in a maximum ascorbic acid content of 21.7 mg g−1 DW.
The optimal increase in total Fe levels (48 µg g−1 DW) in sunflower microgreens was attained with a 0.1 mM Fe exogenous application, which was lower than that in water spinach microgreens (by ~ 2 folds). Ascorbic acid and tocopherol concentrations in the water spinach microgreen peaked at 0.2 mM Fe, but they dropped under high Fe treatment. Water spinach microgreens treated with 0.1–0.2 mM Fe were found to be an excellent protocol for Fe biofortification in large-scale production, offering fresh biomass, a high Fe content, and health-promoting properties.
... No Brasil não há uma tabela de classificação comercial de microverdes, que estabeleça os critérios de padronização desses cultivos. Um aspecto relevante é que, dentre as características de crescimento importantes para a comercialização dos microverdes, pode-se destacar a altura da planta, tendo em vista que plântulas maiores que 5 cm são mais adequadas pela facilidade da colheita (KYRIACOU et al., 2016). Nesse sentido, as combinações de recipientes com o substrato solo apresentaram alturas inadequadas para o cultivo de microverdes. ...
Os microverdes ou microgreens são hortaliças imaturas, colhidas entre 7 e 14 dias após a germinação. Uma hortaliça que pode ser utilizada no cultivo de microverdes é a couve manteiga que é um vegetal de rápida germinação, fácil obtenção além dos ótimos conteúdos de compostos nutracêuticos. Para o cultivo dessa hortaliça, os substratos devem possuir as propriedades físicas, químicas e biológicas necessárias para proporcionar o crescimento saudável, atendendo aos requisitos práticos do sistema de produção. Diversos materiais podem ser utilizados como recipiente, desde que apresentem baixa profundidade (rasos), sejam leves, móveis, resistentes, de baixo custo e de fácil acesso ao produtor. Dessa forma, o objetivo neste trabalho foi avaliar a influência de diferentes substratos e recipientes no cultivo e pós-colheita de microverdes de couve manteiga. Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema bifatorial 3 x 4 (três substratos x quatro recipientes), formado por quatro repetições, sendo cada uma representada por um recipiente com 50 sementes. Foi utilizado uma mistura com húmus de minhoca, substrato comercial de fibra de coco e solo. Foram utilizados como recipientes bandeja de poliestireno expandido (EPS), bandeja de alumínio, caixa de papel kraft e caixa de MDF. As avaliações realizadas foram: percentual de germinação, ciclo em dias, altura, diâmetro, massa fresca e massa seca, sólidos solúveis, pH, acidez titulável e fenóis totais. Dentre os substratos o húmus de minhoca mostrou-se como o mais adequado para o cultivo de microverdes.
... The usage of various microgreens employed as garnishes to improve salads, soups, sandwiches, and other culinary inventories, has sparked the interest of consumers in microgreens. However, owing to its intriguing quality characteristics, their use has been extended to enrich the diet of a particular group of demanding consumers [6] . The microgreens are referred to as the next generation of "superfoods" or "functional foods" as they possess a wide array of health-promoting phytonutrients, including antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, phenolic compounds, and numerous additional healthpromoting substances. ...
Plants have been utilized by humans throughout history for a variety of purposes, including sustenance and medicinal intentions. Since ancient times, wheatgrass has been utilized as a type of microgreen for therapeutic purposes. Phenolic flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, proteins and enzymes are all abundant in wheatgrass. These nutrients and bioactive substances enhanced wheatgrass’s therapeutic efficacy and made it a powerful antioxidant agent for the treatment of a range of diseases. it has been shown to have a wide variety of pharmacological potentials, including an antioxidative potential that helps to neutralize free radicals, anticancer, anti-ulcer, anti-diabetic, anti-arthritic, anti-microbial action, and many more. However, there is a dearth of scientific evidence to back up wheatgrass’s possible pharmacological effects and clinical value. To investigate its clinical utility for human welfare, in-depth research studies are needed. Through this analysis of the review literature, an attempt has been made to explain wheatgrass and its therapeutic potentials.
... Fresh cut microgreens are strongly respiring products that are made up of young tissues as a result, their decline is more associated with a stressinduced reaction than with ageing naturally. Fresh cut microgreens shelf-life has been examined in relation to pre-harvest and postharvest treatmen ts, vario us packagi ng materials and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) (Kyriacou et al., 2016). Soil less media such as coco coir, vermiculite and organic manures such as FYM and poultry manure are also used as the growing medium for microgreens. ...
... Microgreens adalah bibit tanaman yang dapat dimakan termasuk kelas produk sayuran baru yang semakin populer dengan waktu tanam singkat, dipanen 7-14 hari setelah tanam ketika daun sejati pertama mulai tumbuh (Kyriacou et al., 2016). Microgreens memiliki kandungan nutrisi yang lebih tinggi dibandingkan tanaman yang dibudidayakan secara normal seperti pada umumnya. ...
Bercocok tanam di wilayah perkotaan sulit untuk dilaksanakan karena keterbatasan lahan. Upaya yang dapat dilakukan agar tetap melakukan budidaya tanaman seperti sayuran adalah ditanam dengan teknik microgreens. Microgreens adalah sayuran yang ditumbuhkan dan dipanen dalam waktu yang singkat dan mengandung nutrisi yang tinggi. Budidaya secara microgreens memerlukan zat pengatur tumbuh dan media tanam yang baik agar dapat menghasilkan kualitas microgreens yang baik. Salah satu tanaman yang dapat dibudidayakan dengan teknik microgreens adalah alfalfa. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada bulan Januari 2023 di Ruang Tumbuh Kelurahan Merjosari, Kota Malang. Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan faktorial yang disusun dengan Rancangan Acak Kelompok dengan 2 faktor yaitu Ekstrak Kecambah Kacang Hijau dan Media Tanam. Setiap faktor terdiri dari 3 taraf sehingga terdapat 9 kombinasi perlakuan dan diulang 3 kali dengan total terdapat 27 satuan percobaan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat interaksi antara ekstrak kecambah dan media tanam pada tinggi tanaman microgreens alfalfa. Konsentrasi ekstrak kecambah 50 dan 100 g l-1 meningkatkan persentase perkecambahan, tinggi tanaman, panjang akar dan bobot segar microgreens alfalfa. Media tanam cocopeat meningkatkan persentase perkecambahan, tinggi tanaman, panjang akar dan bobot segar microgreens alfalfa.
... Microgreens are a new category of edible immature greens obtained from various vegetables, aromatic herbs, and herbaceous plant species, including wild edible ones (Kyriacou et al., 2016). These greens are harvested as seedlings with partially expanded true leaves and/or fully opened cotyledonary leaves and, for this reason, they have distinctive traits compared to other vegetable categories such as sprouts, babyleaf, and standard vegetables (Gioia et al., 2017;Di Gioia et al., 2023). ...
Microgreens combine visual, taste, flavor and bioactive qualities based on genetic selection, making them a gastronomic novelty. In the present study, ten microgreen genotypes were investigated in terms of biometrical traits (fresh yield, dry matter concentration, and main color indices) alongside compositional analyses, involving cations, nitrate, vitamin C, phenols, and glucosinolate profile. The genotypes were selected from Brassicaceae (five), Chenopodiaceae (one), Portulacaceae (one) and Asteraceae (two) families, according to the availability of unexploited local varieties beyond the commercial ones. The microgreens were cultivated hydroponically in a controlled environment. Distinct genotypic variations were observed for each measured biometric and qualitative trait, with substantial differences noted between and within species. Among the ten genotypes, the underutilized purslane stood out for vitamin C (30 mg 100 g-1 f.w.), Mg (39 mg 100 g-1 f.w.), and the remarkably low nitrate content (7 mg 100 g-1 f.w.). White mustard exhibited the highest levels of glucosinolates (171 mg kg-1 f.w.), phenols (190 mg g.a.e. 100 g-1 f.w), and notable concentrations of cations such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. From a nutritional perspective, ‘Mugnolo’ (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck) proved less suitable as a microgreen due to its highest Na/K ratio (2.28) and generally the low content of other minerals, phenols, vitamin C, and glucosinolates. The findings of this study hold significance for selecting new microgreen species/varieties that align with the preferences and requirements of both consumers and producers.
... In addition to the interesting nutritional qualities, the success of a plant species for sprouts production is also determined by its suitability to indoor cultivation systems (typical of urban areas), which rely on artificial lighting (Kyriacou et al., 2016;Galieni et al., 2020;Appolloni et al., 2022). A recent lighting technology with long lifespan is light emitting diode (LED) lamps, known for their narrow light spectrum, low heat output and low power consumption (Tosti et al., 2018). ...
... Among the most common crops grown in vertical farms are salad crops and microgreens. Microgreens are tender immature greens grown from the seeds of vegetables and herbs, harvested upon the appearance of the first pair of true leaves when the cotyledons are fully expanded (26). Recent studies have revealed that microgreens are richer than mature greens in some vitamins, sugars, and antioxidants, including carotenoids (27). ...
With the growing global population and climate change, achieving food security is a pressing challenge. Vertical farming has the potential to support local food production and security. As a Total Controlled Environment Agriculture (TCEA) system, vertical farming employs LED lighting which offers opportunities to modulate light spectrum and intensity, and thus can be used to influence plant growth and phytochemical composition, including antioxidants beneficial for human health. In this study, we investigated the effect of four red-to-blue light ratios of LEDs (R:B 1, 2.5, 5 and 9) on the growth and antioxidant components in red amaranth microgreens and red lettuce. Plant growth, total phenols, betalains, anthocyanins, vitamin C and antioxidant capacity (ferric reducing antioxidant power assay) were evaluated. A higher proportion of red light resulted in biometric responses, i.e., stem elongation in red amaranth and longer leaves in red lettuce, while the increase in the blue light fraction led to the upregulation of antioxidative components, especially total phenols, betalains (in red amaranth) and anthocyanins (in red lettuce). The antioxidant capacity of both crops was strongly positively correlated with the levels of these phytochemicals. Optimizing the red-to-blue ratio in LED lighting could be effective in promoting antioxidant-rich crops with potential health benefits for consumers.
... From the other side, the seedlings with first true leaves emerge called microgreens, and are usually harvested 7-28 days after germination [5]. Numerous plant species is used for microsprouts and microgreen production, among them many legumes, crucifers, oilseeds, cereals and pseudocereals [3,[6][7][8]. ...
Sprouted seeds and microgreens are emerging as innovative specialty raw salad crops, valued for their health-promoting properties. However, the risk of foodborne illnesses associated with microbial contamination in microgreens underscores the need for effective sanitization in their production. This study explores using hydrolates, by-products of essential oil distillation from six plants, as natural sanitizers in alfalfa microgreen production. The research investigates their impact on seed germination, antimicrobial activity, and sensory attributes. Results revealed that oregano, fennel, lavender, and lemon catmint hydrolates decrease alfalfa seed germination, while peppermint and hop hydrolates have no significant impact. Peppermint and fennel hydrolates demonstrate notable efficacy in antimicrobial testing. Sensory analysis indicates differences in odour and flavour, with peppermint, oregano, and lavender receiving high scores. According to the results, peppermint hydrolate can be considered a favourable option for alfalfa micro sprout production, contributing to sustainable and organic approaches in urban agriculture and underlining the importance of natural sanitizers for food safety.
Graphical Abstract
... Growing microgreens with preschool children Microgreens, also known as vegetable confetti, were first introduced in San Francisco, California, in the late 1980s (Kyriacou et al., 2016). These young and tender greens with many species have recently gained popularity as a culinary trend due to their unique characteristics. ...
... In recent years, there has been growing interest in vegetables that are abundant in bioactive compounds. Microgreens, known for their delicate, delicious, and nutritious qualities, are now being considered as a new "functional food" [1,2]. Buckwheat microgreens are a type of microgreen that is produced by the germination of buckwheat seeds, and are rich in nutrition and have a special flavor that is welcomed by many consumers of fresh vegetables in China. ...
Buckwheat microgreens are rich in nutrients and have a unique flavor that is favored by consumers. The light environment is closely related to the growth and development of the plant. In order to study the effects of treatments with different combinations of red and blue light on the edible organ morphology and nutritional quality of buckwheat microgreens, five experimental treatments were designed, with energy ratios of red light to blue light of 5:1 (R5B1), 3:1 (R3B1), 1:1 (R1B1), 1:3 (R1B3) and 1:5 (R1B5), respectively, and a white light treatment used as the control (CK). The results showed that different combination treatments of red and blue light had obvious effects on the growth of buckwheat microgreens. The hypocotyl length and main root length of buckwheat microgreens treated with a high proportion of red light (R5B1) were obviously higher than those of other treatment designs. However, contents of soluble protein, chlorophyll, rutin and total flavonoids in buckwheat microgreens showed an increasing trend with an increase in the proportion of blue light. Considering the fresh weight, dry weight and quality indexes of the edible organ, the combination of red light and blue light with a ratio of 1:1 was most suitable for buckwheat microgreen production. The results could provide a reference for the production of buckwheat microgreens.
... It has antidiabetic, antifertility, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, lactation stimulant, and hypocholesterolemic effects. The fenugreek plant is good example of "microgreens" [6]. It is rich in micronutrient iron, minerals potassium, calcium and sodium and phytochemicals. ...
This study deals with the sensor based smart farming of fenugreek. Rajasthan state is among top producers of fenugreek. Fenugreek is a multiuse plant. Seeds and leaves are used commonly in household as spice whereas the plant has variety of medicinal uses. Indian medical system Ayurveda highlights its importance in treatment of disease like diabetes and cancer. The Sikar division of Rajasthan state is uprising as producer of vegetables, flowers and medicinal plants of different verities. The farmers of this area are progressive and adaptive to new technology in agriculture. Real time monitoring of soil moisture, air flow in soil and farm air temperature with remotely controlled irrigation system for high yield of fenugreek crop has been studied. This is helpful for the farmers who contributes in development of the country and are providing employment to more than half of the workforce of India.
... Выращивание микрозелени -новое и быстро развивающееся направление в современном бизнесе. Данное направление представляет собой получение на продажу молодой зеленой рассады различных видов овощных, пряно-ароматических, злаковых и бобовых культур, а также дикорастущих трав [1][2][3][4][5]. Благодаря простоте выращивания первым обратил внимание на микрозелень пищевой сектор. ...
Growing organic microgreens indoors requires a unified technological procedure with various external elicitors. The quality of seedlings depends on their ability to accumulate essential microelements. This research assessed the nutrient profile of mustard microgreens using the method of fractal calculation with repeating numerical series. The experiment involved mustard (Brássica júncea L.) of the Nika variety grown in a closed box for 15 days under aggregation with an intensive 16-h photocycle (440 µmoL m2/s). The plants were inoculated with the endomycorrhizal fungus Glomus mosseae. A solution of fulvic acids (100 mg/L) served as a stabilizing organic additive and was introduced into the coconut substrate. The physical treatment included weak static electromagnetic field with magnetic induction (20 mT). The elemental analysis was performed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry on an ICPE-9000 device (Shimadzu, Japan). According to the calculated indices of the microelement biocomposition, the best result belonged to the sample treated with fulvic acids and weak electromagnetic field (IndBcomL = 0.27). The resulting biomass of dry powder for elemental analysis was 10.2 g, which was twice as high as the values obtained in the control sample, not subjected to any external influences (5.2 g). All the variants with mycorrhization produced no positive effect on the total pool of microelements during vegetation. The increase in biomass averaged as low as 20%. Zinc increased by 33.3% while aluminum and iron decreased by 59.5 and 18.0%, respectively. The neural network analysis of the microelements in mustard microgreens proved effective as a mathematical model for biochemical diagnostics of biomass quality. The method could be used to optimize the biotechnological process for other indoor crops as it makes it possible to partially substitute mineral fertilizers with organic and bacterial complex.
... A critical aspect determining the effectiveness of mineral agronomic biofortification strategies is the selection of the target crop. Although large research efforts have been dedicated to the biofortification with Zn of staple crops, recently, microgreens have been increasingly proposed as an alternative target crop for Zn biofortification (Di Gioia et al., 2019, 2021Kyriacou et al., 2016;Poudel et al., 2023a). Microgreens are considered a valid target crop for mineral biofortification because they respond very well to nutrient inputs (Di Gioia et al. 2023), can be produced in a relatively short window of time, require minimum space and minimum inputs, have a high nutritional value, can be consumed raw, and contain relatively low amounts of antinutrients such as phytic acid (Di Gioia et al., 2023Poudel et al., 2023a). ...
Zinc (Zn) is a key micronutrient essential for human health, and its deficiency affects over 17 % of the global population. The consumption of Zn-biofortified foods is one strategy for addressing this malnutrition issue. Supplying Zn-enriched nutrient solutions via fertigation is a prominent method for enhancing the content of Zn in vegetable crops. Among vegetables, microgreens are considered a particularly suitable biofortification target crop due to their high nutrient density, swift growth rate, and low phytic acid content. However, there is limited knowledge on the optimal Zn sources and application rate for the biofortification of different microgreen species via fertigation. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of alternative Zn sources (ZnSO 4 , ZnO, and Zn-EDTA) and application rates (0, 5, 10, and 15 mg/L of Zn) on yield components, mineral content, and phyto-chemical profile of pea, radish, and sunflower microgreens grown in a soilless cultivation system. Zn fertigation increased Zn content and the nutritional profile (flavonoids, total phenols, antioxidant activity, and ascorbic acid) of all three microgreen species. Microgreens fertigated with 15 mg/L ZnSO 4 solution, increased Zn content nearly by a factor of 5, 13, and 6 in pea, radish, and sunflower, relative to their control not supplied with Zn (61.01, 50.26, and 65.87 mg/g DW), respectively. ZnSO 4 was the most effective source of Zn, followed by ZnO and Zn-EDTA. Zn accumulation resulted in minimal or no fresh yield reduction. However, the concentration of other essential microminerals, like Fe, decreased with Zn accumulation in all three species. In conclusion, Zn biofortification via fertigation is effective in enriching microgreens with Zn, while also enhancing their nutritional profile. Nevertheless, selecting the proper Zn source and application rate is critical to achieving the target Zn concentration without reducing yield and/or the content of Fe and other minerals.
... Therefore, plants must use strategies to increase their mobility and absorb it sufficiently [60]. Mineral content in plants depends on several factors, including species and variety, maturity stages, growing seasons, and environmental factors such as light during the growth period [61]. light is crucial for nutrient uptake in plants because it provides the energy for photosynthesis, regulates stomatal opening for gas and water exchange, influences hormonal responses, and affects root growth and development [3]. ...
An experiment was conducted in a greenhouse to determine the effects of different supplemental light spectra on the growth, nutrient uptake, and fruit quality of four strawberry cultivars. The plants were grown under natural light and treated with blue (460 nm), red (660 nm), and red/blue (3:1) lights. Results showed that the “Parous” and “Camarosa” had higher fresh and dry mass of leaves, roots, and crowns compared to the “Sabrina” and “Albion”. The use of artificial LED lights improved the vegetative growth of strawberry plants. All three supplemental light spectra significantly increased the early fruit yield of cultivars except for “Parous”. The red/blue supplemental light spectrum also increased the fruit mass and length of the “Albion”. Supplemental light increased the total chlorophyll in “Camarosa” and “Albion”, as well as the total soluble solids in fruits. The “Albion” had the highest concentration of fruit anthocyanin, while the “Sabrina” had the lowest. The use of supplemental light spectra significantly increased the fruit anthocyanin concentration in all cultivars. Without supplemental light, the “Camarosa” had the lowest concentration of K and Mg, which increased to the highest concentration with the use of supplemental light spectra. All three spectra increased Fe concentration to the highest value in the “Sabrina”, while only the red/blue light spectrum was effective on the “Camarosa”. In conclusion, the use of supplemental light can increase the yield and fruit quality of strawberries by elevating nutrients, chlorophyll, and anthocyanin concentrations in plants.
... Determining the appropriate seed density holds importance for farmers as it can help to maximize profits while using minimum amount of seeds, given their high cost (Nolan 2019). However, seed density varies according to seasonal changes, cultivation system and species, and relies on seed weight germination and desired plant population (Kyriacou et al. 2016). https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-4499.20230183 ...
Microgreens are young plants of vegetables crops that have stood out for their potential in culinary and their nutritional content. However, cultural practices such as seed density and fertilization methods have not been standardized yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seed density and electrical conductivity of nutrient solution in a soilless system of arugula microgreens in two growing seasons. The experiment was carried out in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil, during winter and spring. The experimental design adopted was randomized blocks, with a factorial arrangement (4 × 4) formed by four sowing densities (50, 100, 150, and 200 g.m⁻²) and four levels of electrical conductivity, being 0.15, 1, 2, and 3 mS.cm⁻¹. The evaluated characteristics were shoot height, shoot fresh and dry matter yield, and total soluble solids index. Growing microgreens without a nutrient solution is not recommended. The increase of electrical conductivity of nutrient solution and seed density promoted higher values of shoot dry matter yield and total soluble solids index. In winter, the best results were obtained using 150 g.m⁻² of seeds at an electrical conductivity of 1 mS.cm⁻¹. In spring, 175 g.m⁻² of seeds was necessary, with a minimal electrical conductivity of 1 mS.cm⁻¹.
Key words
Eruca sativa L.; microgreens; electrical conductivity; soilless cultivation; protect environment
Halal is a term coined in Arabic that describes any goods that, in accordance with Islamic law, that Muslims are permitted to consume. In the recent year, animal fats and vegetable oils have been considered as economic sources for food and oleochemical and pharmaceutical industries. The adulteration of fats and oils has been widespread in the food industry, involving the replacement of higher value products with lower grade, cheaper and more readily substitutes. The authenticity of fats and oils has been extensively investigated because they can easily be adulterated due to economic purposes. Mixing of animal fats with vegetable sources is a cause of concern for certain groups of consumers due to religious obligations and health complications [1]. The IR spectroscopy has drawn interest in the analytical community for use in the quantitative measuring of fats and oils. Due to IR is a vibrational type of spectroscopy and offers quick evaluation while being cost-effective, it is an excellent analytical approach for analyzing food and pharmaceutical products. Hitherto, the objective of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of FTIR-ATR and MVDA for halal authentication of animal fatty acids which might be broadly utilized in various industries including food production, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The important outcome of this FTIR-ATR spectroscopy effectiveness blended with MVDA techniques in differentiating among halal and non-halal animal fatty acids. The dried of lard and mutton oils FTIR spectra were obtained from INHART, IIUM through freeze dried method and were used directly. The fresh chicken, beef and pork were cut into smaller pieces using commercial cutter by 1 cm ⋅ 1 cm cube and were put into a vacuum drying oven and dried at 80 °C of temperature, 0.32 bar of pressure for 24h. The dried meats were collected and stored in the freezer. In the fat extraction procedure, 20 g of the dried meats were weighed and grinded as fine powder using a commercial blender before being put into cellulose extraction thimble. The extraction process was done in 6h using petroleum ether as the solvent. The obtained extracts were mixed with a spoonful of MgSO4 as to remove water, filtered through Whatman 125 mm diameter of filter paper, which then, later evaporated using a rotary evaporator, as the resultant oil were stored in glass vials. The Thermo Scientific Nicolet iS5 spectrophotometer model was used in the measurements. The ATR accessory equipped with diamond cell was used. All spectra were recorded within a range of 4000 – 650 cm-1 with 4 cm-1 resolution and 32 scans. The spectra were converted into CVS format, imported to the dataset table in XLSTAT 2024 version software and the dataset was analysed accordingly for adequacy for the PCA analysis. All the FTIR-ATR spectra of functional and fingerprint’s spectra specifically of oil samples from dried meats and palm oil standard were measured at the wavenumber ranging from 4000 to 650 cm-1, respectively. The stretching vibration of -CH, CH2 and CH3 from aromatic and alkene could be observed at a peak of 3000 cm-1 whereas the stretching vibration of –CH, CH2 and CH3 from aliphatic alkane was found at peaks of ~2900 – 2800 cm-1. It is observed that all the oils samples of animal/plant origin have a sharp and intense peak at the carbonyl (C=O) region of ~1700 cm-1. The absorption band at ~1400 cm-1 was correlated to the stretching vibration of C=C. The absorption bands at 1100 – 1000 cm-1 arise from the vibration of C–O stretching. In addition, vibrations at 1200 – 700 cm-1 were associated with bending vibrations of –CH, CH2 and CH3 fatty acid aliphatic backbone. Figure 1 shows the outcomes of the PCA results from the FTIR-ATR wavenumber of 4000 – 650 cm-1 of all the animals and palm oils samples. Moreover, before the PCA can proceed, all the FTIR-ATR spectra were subjected towards KMO test using the XLSTAT software for data adequacy and eligible for further analysis so that it must meet the requirement of KMO greater than 0.5. It is noted that the outcome of the KMO test of the FTIR-ATR spectra for the wavenumber of 4000 – 650 cm-1 is within the range of 0.757 – 0.888 meaning that all the spectra data is considered agreeably good. All the score plot of PCA shows distinct grouping of the animals and palm oil samples, respectively. Noteworthy, the lard showed a cluster grouping among the oils, and it is negatively correlated due to the opposite direction among all the samples. Visualising the PCA using the entire spectra in this complex due to the high number of variables as PCA cannot always solve multicollinearity-related problems with parameter estimation by multicollinearity [2].
This article presents a general overview of scientific publications in the field of microgreens using bibliometric tools. Data were collected from the Web of Science database (from Clarivate Analytics) in the period from 2004 to 2023, covering 20 years of scientific publications. The results are presented in the form of tables, graphs, and charts to analyze the development of microgreens publications. The countries with the greatest influence on the microgreens topic are the USA, Italy, and India, which have the highest number of publications in the analyzed period with 133, 76, and 38 publications, respectively. On the other hand, the authors with the highest number of publications are Raphael, Y. (University Naples Federico II-Italy), De Pascale, S. (University Naples Federico II-Italy), and Luo, Y. (ARS, Food Quality Laboratory, Environmental Microbial & Food Safety Lab, USDA-USA). The journals with the highest productivity in microgreens are HortScience (American Society of Horticultural Science), Horticulturae (MDPI), and Foods (MDPI), with publication numbers of 49, 27, and 23, respectively. Regarding the relationship of the documents in this study with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the large majority of documents can be linked to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), followed by SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well Being). As a final remark, the mapping, trends, and findings in this work can help to establish logical paths for researchers in the field of microgreens.
In modern agriculture, Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) stands out as a contemporary production mode that leverages precise control over environmental conditions such as nutrient, temperature, light, and other factors to achieve efficient and high-quality agricultural production. Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of manipulating these environmental factors in the short period before harvest to enhance crop yield and quality in CEA. This comprehensive review aims to provide insight into various pre-harvest practices employed in CEA, including nutrient deprivation, nutrient supply, manipulation of the light environment, and the application of exogenous hormones, with the objective of improving yield and quality in horticultural crops. Additionally, we propose an intelligent pre-harvest management system to cultivate high-quality horticultural crops. This system integrates sensor technology, data analysis, and intelligent control, enabling the customization of specific pre-harvest strategies based on producers’ requirements. The envisioned pre-harvest intelligent system holds the potential to enhance crop quality, increase yield, reduce resource wastage, and offer innovative ideas and technical support for the sustainable development of CEA.
As mini-hortaliças e as baby leaf são um novo nicho de mercado no Brasil, no entanto, poucas são as pesquisas em relação às técnicas mais adequadas visando produtividade com menor custo. Diante disso, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar ambientes de cultivo e densidade de plantas no cultivo de baby leaf de rúcula. O delineamento experimental foi blocos casualizados em esquema de parcelas sub-subdivididas, com quatro repetições. O fator principal foi ambiente de cultivo (Túnel coberto com plástico [TP]; Agrotêxtil [AGT] e ambiente natural [AN]). O fator secundário foi densidade (d) de plantas (pl) (d1-1000; d2-500 e d3-333 pl m-2). O fator terciário foi Épocas de colheita (16; 23; 31 e 39 dias após a semeadura-DAS). Foram avaliadas fitomassas fresca (FFP) e seca da planta (FSP); altura de plantas (AP); número de folhas por planta (NFP); produtividade (P) e índice de área foliar (IAF). A FSP foi maior em plantas cultivadas na d2. Na d3, as plantas apresentaram maiores IAF em comparação com as das demais densidades. Entre os ambientes de cultivo verificaram-se maiores valores de FFP, FSP, AP e NF para plantas cultivadas sob TP em comparação com as plantas sob AG e AN. Foi possível a produção de baby leaf de rúcula durante a primavera de Ponta Grossa-PR, tendo, o cultivo sob TP impelido maiores precocidade e produtividade que os sob AG e AN. A densidade de 1000 pl m-2 possibilitou incremento em produtividade para baby leaf de rúcula, independentemente do ambiente de cultivo.
The spreading awareness of the health benefits associated with the consumption of plant-based foods is fueling the market of innovative vegetable products, including microgreens, recognized as a promising source of bioactive compounds. To evaluate the potential of oleaginous plant microgreens as a source of bioactive fatty acids, gas chromatography−mass spectrometry was exploited to characterize the total fatty acid content of five microgreens, namely, chia, flax, soy, sunflower, and rapeseed (canola). Chia and flax microgreens appeared as interesting sources of α-linolenic acid (ALA), with total concentrations of 2.6 and 2.9 g/100 g of dried weight (DW), respectively. Based on these amounts, approximately 15% of the ALA daily intake recommended by the European Food Safety Authority can be provided by 100 g of the corresponding fresh products. Flow injection analysis with high-resolution Fourier transform single and tandem mass spectrometry enabled a semi-quantitative profiling of triacylglycerols (TGs) and sterol esters (SEs) in the examined microgreen crops, confirming their role as additional sources of fatty acids like ALA and linoleic acid (LA), along with glycerophospholipids. The highest amounts of TGs and SEs were observed in rapeseed and sunflower microgreens (ca. 50 and 4−5 μmol/g of DW, respectively), followed by flax (ca. 20 and 3 μmol/g DW). TG 54:9, 54:8, and 54:7 prevailed in the case of flax and chia, whereas TG 54:3, 54:4, and 54:5 were the most abundant TGs in the case of rapeseed. β- Sitosteryl linoleate and linolenate were generally prevailing in the SE profiles, although campesteryl oleate, linoleate, and linolenate exhibited a comparable amount in the case of rapeseed microgreens.
Facility agriculture is an important initiative to adopt an all-encompassing approach to food and build a diversified food supply system. Understanding the evolution of facility agricultural land and the factors that drive it can contribute to the development of scientifically strategic agricultural planning and agricultural modernization. Therefore, this paper constructs a “situation-structure-behavior-value” theoretical framework; quantifies the relevant driving factors (physical, proximal, and socioeconomic) and their impacts on the development and layout of facility agriculture land by using a multivariate logistic regression model; and provides a strategy for optimizing land use. The results showed that the area of facility agriculture in Huzhou is rapidly expanding. Regarding drivers, facility agricultural land tends to be located in areas with higher slopes according to plot selection. Facility agriculture is more likely to develop in plots with convenient transportation and closer proximity to markets. At the economic level, economic efficiency, agricultural resource superiority, and policies significantly impact facility agriculture expansion. Finally, we propose three land use policy options to facilitate the sustainable development of facility agriculture. This study elucidates the underlying factors driving different types of facility agricultural land and offers methodological guidance for policy support, planning, control, and optimization strategies for facility agriculture.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) microgreens is an underutilized vegetable with limited shelf life having good source of antioxidants, carotenoid as well as vitamins. The study deals with nutritional quality and optimization of a suitable passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for improving the shelf life of fenugreek microgreens in its minimally processed form (MPFM) at 8oC Semipermeable plastic films viz., low density polyethylene, polypropylene, Cryovac PD 961® and stretchable PVC cling film with varying thickness were evaluated as packaging materials to obtain different MAP composition inside MPFM packages. Packaging of MPFM in 40 μm thick polypropylene film resulted in development of in-pack equilibrium MA with 10-14% oxygen and 5-8% carbon dioxide during storage. This in-pack MA maintained ‘fresh-like’ sensory properties, biochemical and nutritional quality in MPFM till 15 days of storage. Significant loss of B vitamins was recorded in all packages during low temperature storage. Packaging in 40 μm thick polypropylene film retained B vitamins significantly better than other semipermeable films. Low temperature storage in modified atmosphere conditions enhanced vitamin E content in MPFM. The outcome of the study will benefit the entrepreneurs and retailers for distant transport and storage of fenugreek microgreens in commercial open chillers maintained in supermarkets in their ready-to-cook form.
There are a number of cutting-edge techniques implemented in the germination process, including high pressure processing, ultrasonic, ultraviolet, light, non-thermal plasma, magnetic field, microwave radiation, electrolyzed oxidizing water, and plasma activated water. The influence of these technological advances on seed germination procedure is addressed in this review. The use of these technologies has several benefits, including the enhancement of plant growth rate and the modulation of bioactive chemicals like ABA, protein, and peroxidase concentrations, as well as the suppression of microbial development. Microgreens’ positive health effects, such as their antioxidant, anticancer, antiproliferative/pro-oxidant, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory properties are extensively reviewed. The phytochemical and bioactive components of microgreens were investigated, including the concentrations of vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E, micro and macro nutrients, pro-vitamin A, polyphenols, and glucosinolates. Furthermore, the potential commercial uses of microgreens, as well as the current market transformation and prospects for the future are explored.
This work aimed to evaluate the growth of two species of microgreens (mizuna and pak choi), using agro-industrial compost as growing media in two different mixes versus one hundred percent peat, under two different LED illumination spectra (LED 1 and LED 2) in a 14 h photoperiod. The experiment was carried-out for two times. Biomass yield, glucosinolates, and phenolic compounds, and nitrate (NO3⁻) content were analysed in leaf tissues. In both species, the highest fresh and dry biomass production was in compost:peat (50:50%) and LED 2 (Blue/Red/Far Red). In general, compost had a greater influence on nitrate content than light, but in the microgreen pak choi, the anthocyanin content was inhibited by the compost treatment. In the other hand both LED illumination had a positive effect on mizuna for glucosinolates and anthocyanins, and LED 2 also showed a positive effect on pak choi for anthocyanin. Therefore, the use of agri-food compost: peat (50:50%) with LED 2 (blue/red) lighting treatment to obtain microgreens in indoor crops is a plausible technology that provides nutritionally and phytochemically rich crops.
Microgreens from common and tartary buckwheat genotypes were evaluated for total flavonoid content (rutin, quercetine and kaempferol separately), bound phenolic acids content, carotenoids and -tocopherol content and antioxidant activity. The results have shown that in common and tartary buckwheat microgreens antioxidant activity was found. High level of flavonoids, carotenoids, and -tocopherol was detected as well. Higher amount of flavonoids was found out in tartary buckwheat microgreens. No significant differences were detected between common and tartary buckwheat microgreens in content of phenolic acids. Microgreens of both common and tartary buckwheat represent potential nutritional sources for alternative vegetable in the Czech Republic.
Background:
Peat-based mixes and synthetic mats are the main substrates used for microgreens production. However, both are expensive and non-renewable. Recycled fibrous materials may be low-cost and renewable alternative substrates. Recycled textile-fiber (TF, polyester, cotton and polyurethane traces) and jute-kenaf-fiber (JKF, 85% jute-, 15% kenaf-fibers) mats were characterized and compared to peat and Sure-to-Grow(®) (STG, 100% polyethylene-terephthalate) for the production of rapini (Brassica rapa L.; Broccoletto group) microgreens.
Results:
All substrates had suitable physicochemical properties for the production of microgreens. Microgreens fresh-yield was on average 1,502 g m(-2) in peat, TF and JKF, and was 13.1% lower with STG. Peat-grown microgreens shoots had higher concentration of K(+) and SO4 (2) (-) , and two-fold higher NO3 (-) concentration [1,959 vs 940 mg kg(-1) of fresh weight (FW)] than those grown on STG, TF, and JKF. At harvest, substrates did not influence microgreens aerobic-bacterial populations (log 6.48 CFU g(-1) FW). Peat- and JKF-grown microgreens had higher yeast-mould counts than TF- and STG-microgreens (log 2.64 vs 1.80 CFU g(-1) FW). Peat-grown microgreens had the highest population of Enterobacteriaceae (log 5.46 ± 0.82 CFU g(-1) ), and E. coli (log 1.46 ± 0.15 CFU g(-1) ). E. coli was not detected in microgreens grown on other media.
Conclusion:
TF and JKF may be valid alternatives to peat and STG, as both assured competitive yield, low nitrate content, and similar or higher microbiological quality.
Modern horticultural lighting systems are implementing solid-state light sources as a supplement or alternative to sunlight or other artificial lighting systems. Many lighting systems, including those with light emitting diodes, typically ignore the contributions of green wavebands in plant development, and ultimately may affect the potential value of horticultural products produced under them. It has been shown that green light can reverse anthocyanin accumulation in Arabidopsis thaliana. The goal of this work is to test the hypothesis that green wavebands can modulate the accumulation of these valued pigments in three varieties of microgreen seedlings. The results show that while anthocyanins are induced with far-red light, green light cannot reverse, and may enhance, their accumulation under low-fluence-rate conditions, but the trend reverses in some seedlings under high-fluence rate conditions. On the other hand, blue-light-induced anthocyanin accumulation may be inhibited by the addition of green wavebands, and the effect is fluence-rate dependent and varies in sensitivity and amplitude, depending on the genotype. These trials underscore the importance of considering the inhibitory effects of green light on anthocyanin accumulation when designing lighting systems.
The mineral element composition was analyzed for 30 varieties of microgreens, representing 10 species within 6 genera of the Brassicaceae family. Brassicaceae microgreens were assayed for concentrations of macroelements, including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorous (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and of microelements, including copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn). Determinations of mineral elements in microgreen samples were performed using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP OES). Potassium was the most abundant macroelement ranging from 176 to 387 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW), followed by P (52-86 mg/100 g FW), Ca (28-66 mg/100 g FW), Mg (28-66 mg/100 g FW), and Na (19-68 mg/100 g FW). Among the microelements, Fe tended to be most abundant (0.47-0.84 mg/100 g FW), followed by Zn (0.22-0.51 mg/100 g FW), Mn (0.17-0.48 mg/100 g FW), and Cu (0.041-0.13 mg/100 g FW). Based upon the analysis of 30 varieties, the results demonstrate that microgreens are good sources of both macroelements (K and Ca) and microelements (Fe and Zn.). Consumption of microgreens could be a health-promoting strategy to meet dietary reference intake requirements for essential elements beneficial to human health.
We reported previously that the preharvest treatment of broccoli microgreens with 10 mmol.L-1 calcium chloride (CaCl2) increased the yield and postharvest quality. The objective of this study was to investigate whether other calcium forms have the similar effect, in particular, after postharvest dip in calcium solution. Our results are as follows: 1) Preharvest spray without postharvest dip: Both 20 mmol.L-1 calcium lactate (Ca lactate) and calcium amino acid (Ca AA) chelate significantly improved broccoli microgreens quality and inhibited microbial populations as compared with the water-only control during storage at 5 degrees C for 21 days. However, they were less effective than 10 mmol.L-1 CaCl2. 2) Postharvest dip without preharvest spray: The microgreens sprayed with water-only control were dipped in 0, 25, 50, or 100 mmol.L-1 Ca lactate solution containing 100 mu L.L-1 chlorine immediately after harvest. During storage at 5 degrees C for 14 days, 50 mmol.L-1 Ca lactate dip showed the highest overall quality and lowest tissue electrolyte leakage. 3) Preharvest spray and postharvest dip: Combined preharvest 10 mmol.L-1 CaCl2 spray and postharvest 50 mmol.L-1 Ca lactate dip resulted in better postharvest quality than individual pre- or postharvest calcium treatments. However, the preharvest 10 mmol.L-1 CaCl2 spray without postharvest dip displayed a best overall visual quality and longest storage life. Our data indicate that pre- and postharvest calcium treatments have positive effect on maintaining the microgreens quality and extending shelf life. However, current postharvest dip/spinning/drying method profoundly reduces the shelf life due to mechanical damages. Technologies to optimize microgreens wash are needed to provide ready-to-eat product. Alternatively, the wash step can be avoided when the microgreens are grown under controlled settings.
The effects of supplemental UV-A LED lighting on growth and antioxidant properties of two varieties of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) microgreens were determined. Purple-leaf ‘Dark Opal’ and green-leaf ‘Sweet Genovese’ basils were grown in greenhouse (14 days, 22/18 ± 2 °C day/night temperature, 40 ± 5 % a relative air humidity) during winter season. The main lighting system (HPS lamps and natural daylight) was supplemented with ~13.0 μmol m-2 s-1 flux of UV-A 390 nm, and a total PPFD was ~125 μmol m-2 s-1 (16 h photoperiod) for 1 or 7 days before harvest, or entire growth period – 14 days. The results revealed that the influence of UV-A on growth and antioxidant properties depended on basil variety and duration of irradiation. Generally, UV-A irradiation for 7 days significantly (P ≤ 0.05) inhibited growth and hypocotyl elongation of green-leaf basils, and for 14 days of both basil varieties. No significant differences on leaf chlorophyll index were determined. However, leaf flavonol index significantly increased in green-leaf basils after 7 and 14 days UV-A irradiation. The total phenols ant anthocyanin contents significantly decreased after 1 day UV-A irradiation in purple-leaf basils, and the continuous decrease following UV-A irradiation for 7 or 14 days was determined. In addition, UV-A irradiation had negative effects on ABTS radical activity in purple-leaf basils; however, the significantly higher ABTS radical scavenging activity after UV-A irradiation for 1 or 7 days in green-leaf basils were determined. UV-A influenced higher ascorbic acid synthesis in purple-leaf basils after 7 days irradiation, or after 14 days irradiation in both basil varieties. In summary, the supplemental UV-A LED lighting allows to protect basil microgreens from hypocotyl elongation, and enhances antioxidant properties in green-leaf basils. Purple-leaf basils showed to be more sensitive to UV-A irradiation, and less positive effects on antioxidant properties were determined.
Diets high in processed foods have been found to lack essential micro-nutrients for optimum human development and overall health. Some micro-nutrients such as copper (Cu) have been
found to enhance the inflammatory response through its oxidative functions, thereby having a role in cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and related complications. This research study was designed to determine if food crops could be bio-fortified with micro-nutrients by growing sprouts on mineral fortified fiber mats. In the feasibility study described in this contribution, recycled cellulose fibers and clay, saturated with either micro-nutrient copper ions or
copper nanoparticles, were converted to a novel mineral-cellulose fiber carrier of essential micro-nutrient and of antimicrobial properties. Seeds of Medicago sativa (alfalfa), purchased from a
commercial, organic supplier were germinated on engineered cellulose fiber mats. After the appearance of the first leaves, the sprouts were dehydrated and analyzed for Cu content. Nutrient
analysis showed ~2 increase in Cu of the sprouts grown on the fiber mats with copper particles, and ~4 increase on mats with ionic copper as compared to the control samples. This study illustrates the potential for the use of engineered mats as a viable way to increase the micro-nutrient composition of locally-grown food crops and the need for additional research to determine the uptake, nutritional implications and risks of micro-nutrient bio-fortification.
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) possess unique properties that are highly suitable for several operations in the food industry. Such properties include low radiant heat emissions; high emissions of monochromatic light; electrical, luminous, and photon efficiency; long life expectancy, flexibility, and mechanical robustness. Therefore, they reduce thermal damage and degradation in crops and foods and are suitable in cold-storage applications. Control over spectral composition of emitted light results in increased yields and nutritive content of horticultural or agricultural produce. Recently, LEDs have been shown to preserve or enhance the nutritive quality of foods in the postharvest stage, as well as manipulate the ripening of fruits, and reduce fungal infections. LEDs can be used together with photosensitizers or photocatalysts to inactivate pathogenic bacteria in food. UV LEDs, which are rapidly being developed, can also effectively inactivate pathogens and preserve food in postharvest stages. Therefore, LEDs provide a nonthermal means of keeping food safe without using chemical sanitizers or additives, and do not accelerate bacterial resistance. This article provides a review of the technology of LEDs and their role in food production, postharvest preservation, and in microbiological safety. Several challenges and limitations are identified for further investigation, including the difficulty in optimizing LED lighting regimens for plant growth and postharvest storage, as well as the sensory quality and acceptability of foods stored or processed under LED lighting. Nevertheless, LED technology presents a worthy alternative to current norms in lighting for the growth and storage of safe and nutritious food.
Microgreens are salad crop shoots harvested for consumption within 10 - 20 d of seedling emergence. A series of cultural experiments was conducted with the objective of lessening the greenhouse production time, and therefore the production cost, for microgreen arugula (Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa) grown in peat-lite (a soilless medium). Sowing seeds at a high rate (55 g m -2) resulted in a greater shoot fresh weight (FW) m-2 at 10 d after planting (DAP) than sowing at lower rates, although individual shoots were lighter. Two fertilisation regimes were examined: pre-plant incorporation of 500 - 4,000 mg N 1-1 supplied as ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, ammonium sulphate, or urea, and/or post-emergence daily fertilisation with solutions of 21-2.2-16.6 (N-P-K) at 0,75, or 150 mg N 1-1. The two most economical fertilisation treatments to increase shoot FW m-2 were daily solution fertilisation with 150 mg N 1-1, or daily solution fertilisation with 75 mg N 1-1 plus a pre-plant media incorporation of 1,000 mg N 1-1 from Ca(NO3)2. Irrespective of these two fertilisation treatments, pre-sowing germination (pre-germination) of seed by incubation in grade-5 exfoliated vermiculite (1.12 g seed in 157 g vermiculite) moistened with 2 g water g-1 dry weight (DW) vermiculite for 1 d at 20°C, resulted in a 21% increase in shoot FW by 14 DAP compared to sowing non-treated seed. Pre-germinated seed showed 81.5% germination, with radicles averaging 2 mm in length at the time of sowing.
Seed treatments to advance the establishment of table beet or chard (Beta vulgaris L.) for greenhouse microgreen production were examined. While germination percentage was little affected, appreciable germination advancement in both crops was achieved using all seed treatments of matric priming (-1 MPa at 12°C for 6 d in fine vermiculite) or various soaks (water, 20°C for 48 h; hydrogen peroxide, 0.3% at 20°C for 48 h; hydrogen chloride, 0.3 M at 20°C for 2 h; or sodium hypochlorite, 4% at 20°C for 3 h). The most pronounced seedling emergence advancement, however, was gained by germinating seeds in fine grade vermiculite and sowing the germinated seed plus vermiculite mixture. No additional advancement in seedling emergence or growth was achieved by priming or soaking the seeds in hydrogen peroxide before germinating the seeds in the vermiculite. Germinating the seeds in shallow (c 4 cm deep) vermiculite (150% initial water, c 1 seed:3 vermiculite dry weight ratio, 27°C) for 2 d (table beet) or 3 d (chard) resulted in 0.33-fold and 2.79-fold greater shoot fresh weight, respectively, at 11 d after planting than was achieved by sowing untreated seeds.
Baby salad leaves of salad roquette, arugula in the U.S. (Eruca vesicaria ssp. sativa) had an increased postharvest shelf life of 2 to 6 days, while lollo rosso lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. 'Ravita') and red chard [Beta vulgaris L. var. flavescens (Lam.) Lam] baby salad leaves had increased shelf life of 1 to 2 days when harvested at the end of the day compared with leaves harvested at the start of the day. We have shown that improved shelf life of salad roquette and lollo rosso following end-of-day harvest was correlated with altered biophysical characteristics of the cell walls, with increased cell wall extensibility (percent plasticity and elasticity) measured at end of day. Leaf turgor pressure (P, MPa) was also highest in salad roquette and red chard at the end of day. Improved shelf life following 'end of day' harvest was also associated with the accumulation of leaf sucrose in salad roquette but not lollo rosso and red chard following daily photosynthesis. Diurnal alterations of leaf starch concentration were detected in lollo rosso and red chard but not in salad roquette. The degree of leaf shelf life extension in salad roquette and red chard was further associated with the peak rates of leaf photosynthetic activity. These data suggest that, depending on species, significant improvements to postharvest shelf life could be achieved through the rescheduling of time of day for harvest and also provide relevant information on the selection of traits for future genetic improvement.
Temperature abuse of fresh-cut products occurs routinely during transport and retail store display. However, the stage of product shelf life during temperature abuse and its impact on sensory attributes have not been studied. This study evaluated the effect of temperature abuse occurring immediately after processing and late in shelf life through measurements of sensory attributes, and membrane integrity of commercially packaged ready-to-eat baby spinach. The packaged products were received within 2 days of processing. Samples subject to early temperature abuse were immediately placed at 1, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 C storage upon arrival, and those subject to late temperature abuse were stored at 1 degrees C for six days, and then transferred to 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 degrees C storage. Package headspace gas composition, in-package visual appeal, purchase intent, product color, off-odor, decay, texture, overall quality, and tissue electrolyte leakage were evaluated every 1-2 day up to 16 day total. Results indicate that when the product temperature is maintained at 1-4 degrees C, the quality of commercially packaged baby spinach can be retained for up to 18 days post-processing. However, storage temperature of 8 C or above, significantly (P<0.001) shortened product shelf life as exhibited by accelerated tissue electrolyte leakage, product yellowing, decay and off-odor development. Most importantly, the product's shelf life stage significantly affected its response to temperature. Quality deterioration proceeded more rapidly when temperature abuse occurred in late as opposed to early shelf life stage. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Traditional vegetables and vegetable legumes can be a source of readily available daily sustenance when grown in home or kitchen gardens. Lower income groups that lack access to or cannot afford global vegetables and animal protein sources would benefit greatly from the increased availability and consumption of traditional vegetables. Phytonutrient levels of edible parts differ according to the growth stages of the plant and often decrease from the seedling (sprout or microgreen) to the fully developed stage. Sprouts and microgreens can easily be grown in urban or peri-urban settings where land is often a limiting factor, either by specialized vegetable farmers or the consumers themselves. Given their short growth cycle, sprouts and microgreens can be grown without soil and without external inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, around or inside residential areas. Seedlings from semi-domesticated or even wild species typically have high levels of phytonutrients, good flavor, and tender texture. Several crops or different varieties of the same crop can be mixed to create attractive combinations of textures, flavors, and colors. As sprouts and microgreens are usually consumed raw, there is no loss or degradation of heat-sensitive micronutrients through food processing. AVRDC is currently studying potential differences in the levels of essential micronutrients, bioactive compounds, and consumer preferences of selected traditional vegetables and vegetable legumes at different growth and consumption stages. The results obtained with amaranth are reported in this paper. Amaranth is increasingly becoming popular as a nutrient-dense leafy green beyond Asia and the Caribbean (Saelinger 2013). The phytonutrient content was assessed at three stages: (a) sprouts, (b) microgreens, and (c) fully grown plants. The comparison included landraces from the AVRDC Genebank and commercially available cultivars. This work may expand the use of genebank materials for specialty produce such as sprouts and microgreens with great potential to improve food and nutrition security for people living in urban and peri-urban settings.
There are very few reports on the production of microgreens, a new category of salad crops, the shoots of which are harvested at the seedling stage. A series of cultural studies was conducted with the objective of lessening greenhouse production time and lowering production costs of microgreen table beet (Beta vulgaris L.). Sowing seed balls at a commercially recommended rate (201 g·m−2; 11,256·seed balls·m−2) resulted in greater shoot fresh weight·m−2 at 15 days after planting than sowing seed balls at lower rates, although individual shoots were lighter. Sowing seed balls that were germinated before sowing (pregerminated) in fine-grade exfoliated vermiculite moistened with 150% water (wt. per vermiculite dry wt.) for 5 days at 20°C resulted in 26% greater shoot fresh weight·m−2 at 15 days after planting than sowing nontreated seed balls. Combining preplanting fertilization of the peat-lite with calcium nitrate at 2000 mg·L−1 of N (150 mL·L−1of medium) with daily postplanting solution fertilization with 150 mg·L−1 of N led to a further increase in shoot fresh weight·m−2 of 21% (nontreated seed balls) and 22% (pregerminated seed balls) compared to other fertilization regimes (excluding the check). Germinating, and extruding, seed balls in hydrophilic polymer (hydroxyethyl cellulose gel) advanced microgreen growth but not to the extent achieved with vermiculite as the pregermination medium. Irrespective of seed ball treatment, producing microgreens in troughs using the hydroponic nutrient film technique, compared to production in trays containing peat-lite, increased shoot fresh weight·m−2. Depending on seed ball treatment, economic yield was increased 33% to 98% by 7 days after planting and 75% to 144% by 15 days after planting. The greatest shoot fresh weight·m−2 at 15 days after planting (10.14 kg·m−2) was achieved using seed balls pregerminated in moist vermiculite and subsequent growth using the nutrient film technique.
In this study, we sought to find and employ positive effects of UV-A irradiation on cultivation and quality of microgreens. Therefore, the goal of our study was to investigate the influence of 366, 390, and 402 nm UV-A LED wavelengths, supplemental for the basal solid-state lighting system at two UV-A irradiation levels on the growth and phytochemical contents of different microgreen plants. Depending on the species, supplemental UV-A irradiation can improve antioxidant properties of microgreens. In many cases, a significant increase in the investigated phytochemicals was found under 366 and 390 nm UV-A wavelengths at the photon flux density (12.4 μmol m-2 s-1). The most pronounced effect of supplemental UV-A irradiation was detected in pak choi microgreens. Almost all supplemental UV-A irradiation treatments resulted in increased leaf area and fresh weight, in higher 2,2–diphenyl–1–picrylhydrazyl free-radical scavenging activity, total phenols, anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, and α-tocopherol.
K e y w o r d s: ultraviolet-A, microgreens, growth, anti-
oxidants
Experiments were conducted to develop a modified atmosphere packaging system for fresh-cut cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.) leaves, and to determine the effect of pack-age film oxygen transmission rate (OTR) on package atmosphere and the consequence on quality and microbiology of the product. Package film OTR significantly (P < 0.001) influenced the package atmospheres and the resultant postharvest physiology and quality of fresh-cut cilantro leaves under the tested package configuration (bag size 19 × 22 cm, product fill weight 85 g/bag) and storage condition (0 °C). Oxygen and carbon dioxide levels of the packages prepared with 3500 mL·d –1 ·m –2 OTR films equilibrated at 1.5 to 2.3 kPa and 3.6 to 4.1 kPa, respectively, on day 3 and maintained this level throughout the storage. The gas compositions of the packages with 6200 mL·d –1 ·m –2 OTR films showed a similar trend, except they equilibrated at a higher O 2 (3.6 to 5.6 kPa) and lower CO 2 (2.7 to 3.3 kPa) level. Fresh-cut cilantro leaves in both packages exhibited the highest tissue integrity as evidenced by the lowest tissue electrolyte leakage, with high overall visual quality scores (like moderately to like very much) at the end of 14 days storage. However, atmospheres in 1700 mL·d –1 ·m –2 OTR film packages displayed a rapid depletion of O 2 and accumulation of CO 2 , with essentially no O 2 (≈0.02 kPa) and high CO 2 (7.7 to 9.0 kPa) levels inside the pack-ages from day 6 until the end of storage. A rapid increase in tissue electrolyte leakage was observed in cilantro leaves in these packages starting on day 6, increasing 6-fold at the end of the storage period. Products in these packages developed a strong off-odor, accompanied by a rapid loss of typical aroma and overall visual quality, with an unacceptable quality rating at the end of storage (dislike slightly). Samples packaged in perforated bags (without modified atmosphere) lost moisture over time, and small numbers of wilted leaves were seen. There was a slow but significant (P < 0.001) increase in aerobic organisms over time with no significant (P > 0.05) difference among treatments. There was an increase in anaerobic microorganisms on cilantro leaves packaged in 1700 mL·d –1 ·m –2 OTR film, although only ≈0.5 log cfu/g difference was observed among the treatments and over time. The fresh-cut fruit and vegetable industry has been rapidly expanding during the past decade, due to the freshness and high nutri-tion that fresh-cut produce offers, as well as convenience to consumers (Bauer 1997; Hodge 1995; Watada et al., 1996). With the successful use of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) systems, a wide variety of vegetables have been used successfully in the fresh-cut products, such as packaged fresh-cut iceberg and romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), carrot (Daucus carota L.), cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.), and spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) (Bauer 1997). However, the processing and sale of packaged fresh-cut culinary herbs have had limited suc-cess. Although there is increased demand for develop a modified atmosphere packaging system for fresh-cut cilantro leaves with ac-ceptable quality and a 14-d shelf life (required for distribution and retail sales), and to evaluate the postharvest biology and quality changes of fresh-cut cilantro leaves influenced by package atmosphere achieved via package film oxygen transmission rate.
Microgreens are young, tender greens that are used to enhance the color, texture, or flavor of salads, or to garnish a wide variety of main dishes. Harvested at the first true leaf stage and sold with the stem, cotyledons (seed leaves), and first true leaves attached, they are among a variety of novel salad greens available on the market that are typically distinguished categorically by their size and age. Sprouts, microgreens, and baby greens are simply those greens harvested and consumed in an immature state. This article offers production advice for greenhouse microgreen production.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1164 This is a minor revision of Treadwell, Danielle, Robert Hochmuth, Linda Landrum, and Wanda Laughlin. 2010. “Microgreens: A New Specialty Crop”. EDIS 2010 (3). https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/118552.
Red light(RL), blue light(BL) and yellow light(YL)were obtained from fluorescent lamp lights. With the same intensity of white light (WL) as control, the effects of light quality on biomass, oxalate, tannin and nitrate accumulation in spinach were studied. The results showed that changes of nitrate and oxalate contents were different in petiole and leaf blade among various treatments, while the trends of plant growth increment were the same. Leaf blade had more proportion than petiole in fresh weight. Under different qualities, the increase of leaf blade and petiole fresh weight in turn were WL(CK) > YL > RL > BL. RL was better to the formation and accumulation of dry matter and carbohydrate. Nitrate concentration in petiole was significantly higher than that in leaf blade. The petiole was the dominant place for nitrate accumulation, and the variation of nitrate concentrations in leaf blade was significantly higher than that in petiole. The oxalate content in leaf blade was higher than that in petiole under WL and YL treatments, but it was opposite under RL and BL treatments. And the total oxalate content of RL treatment was the lowest. Although spinach biomass was lower under RL treatment, the nitrate and total oxalate contents could be reduced obviously. The quality of spinach was improved by RL treatment.
Minimally processed products are generally exposed to low temperature and uncontrolled light conditions during the supply chain. The positive effect of low temperature on quality of baby spinach is widely reported, but there is little information available about the light effect. The objective of this study was to obtain insight about the cause-effect of light exposure of baby spinach on leaf quality and senescence parameters. Minimally processed baby spinach was stored in passive Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) and in Controlled Atmosphere (CA) under different light conditions. In passive MAP, three very different headspace gas compositions within the bags due to photosynthesis and respiration reactions were generated that strongly affected the quality characteristics. To isolate the light effect from the atmosphere composition influence, and thus understand the mechanisms causing the quality changes, baby spinach was stored under two CA of 0.5kPa O2+10kPa CO2 (low O2+high CO2 levels) and air combined with 2 light conditions (continuous light and darkness). The changes observed under the different light conditions were mainly caused by the differences in gas composition. Under light, MAP with high O2 partial pressure (pO2) and low CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) was detrimental because of the growth of Pseudomonas spp. and the progress in tissue senescence due to oxidative stress, increasing cell damage, lipid peroxidation and chlorophyll degradation. Under darkness, MAP with low pO2 and high pCO2 was also detrimental because of the intense off-odour developments, the increase in pH and electrolyte leakage and the reduction in chlorophyll fluorescence. Our results showed that the modified atmosphere generated with exposure to the different light conditions affects the quality of baby spinach mainly because of the high pO2 under light and high pCO2 under darkness.
Microgreens are specialty leafy crops harvested just above the roots after the first true leaves have emerged and are consumed fresh. Broccoli (Brassica oleacea var. italica) microgreens can accumulate significant concentrations of cancer-fighting glucosinolates as well as being a rich source of other antioxidant phytochemicals. Lightemitting diodes (LEDs) now provide the ability to measure impacts of narrow-band wavelengths of light on seedling physiology. The carotenoid zeaxanthin has been hypothesized to be a blue light receptor in plant physiology. The objective of this study was to measure the impact of short-duration blue light on phytochemical compounds, which impart the nutritional quality of sprouting broccoli microgreens. Broccoli microgreens were grown in a controlled environment under LEDs using growing pads. Seeds were cultured on the pads submerged in deionized water and grown under a 24-hour photoperiod using red (627 nm)/blue (470 nm) LEDs (350 μmol.m -2.s-1) at an air temperature of 23 0C. On emergence of the first true leaf, a complete nutrient solution with 42 mg.L-1 of nitrogen (N) was used to submerge the growing pads. At 13 days after sowing, broccoli plantlets were grown under either: 1) red and blue LED light (350 μmol.m -2.s -1); or 2) blue LED light (41 μmol.m-2.s -1) treatments for 5 days before harvest. The experiment was repeated three times. Frozen shoot tissues were freeze-dried and measured for carotenoids, chlorophylls, glucosinolates, and mineral elements. Comparing the two LED light treatments revealed the shortduration blue LED treatment before harvest significantly increased shoot tissue β-carotene (P ≤ 0.05), violaxanthin (P ≤ 0.01), total xanthophyll cycle pigments (P ≤ 0.05), glucoraphanin (P ≤ 0.05), epiprogoitrin (P ≤ 0.05), aliphatic glucosinolates (P ≤ 0.05), essential micronutrients of copper (Cu) (P = 0.02), iron (Fe) (P ≤ 0.01), boron (B), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), sodium (Na), zinc (Zn) (P ≤ 0.001), and the essential macronutrients of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S) (P ≤ 0.001). Results demonstrate management of LED lighting technology through preharvest, short-duration blue light acted to increase important phytochemical compounds influencing the nutritional value of broccoli microgreens.
This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of chlorinated water on storage quality and microbial reduction of tah tasai Chinese cabbage young leaf vegetable (microgreen). Fresh young leaves were washed in cold (5 degrees C) and warm (25 degrees C) chlorinated water with 0, 50 or 100 mg.L(-1) free chlorine for 90 sec. Samples were then packaged in polypropylene (PP) film bag and stored for 8 days at 15 degrees C. Changes in weight loss, color, SPAD value, external appearance, and aerobic plate count (APC) were evaluated. Chlorinated water treatment at 5 degrees C had a more beneficial effect Oil Visual quality, weight loss, SPAD value change than 25 degrees C chlorinated water treatment. No significant difference was found in APC on the surface of tah tasai Chinese cabbage microgreen after 3-day storage period. Chlorinated water either at 5 degrees C or 25 degrees C with 50-100 mg.L(-1) free chlorine significantly reduced APC during the initial period of storage (up to 2 days). The results indicated that chlorinated water only affected microbial reduction until tah tasai Chinese cabbage microgreen maintained its initial quality.
Laboratory experiments were conducted to study the physical, chemical and microbiological properties of coir. The addition of coconut fiber to coconut dust increased the airspace (Air at -10cm tension) but reduced easily available water. The water buffing capacity was lower in coir than in peat. Levels of air space, however, varied considerably. It should be possible to get predetermined levels of airspace by mixing the appropriate levels of fiber to coconut dust. In incubation studies carried out over 20 weeks there was a significant nitrogen retention in one case probably due to the age of coir but the addition of fiber to the dust did not have any effect on N retention. Leaching of nitrogen was marginally higher in coir than in Irish peat (H 4 decomposition) when materials of similar particle size were compared. CO2 evolution and as well as a stability test (degree of slumping over time) indicated that coir was less stable than Irish peat. Fungal and to a lesser extent bacterial counts were higher in coir than in peat. Mixing and fertilization increased fungal counts in contrast to peat. There were clear indications that a water extraction for K determination may not be a suitable extractant for coir. Although water extractable K was strongly correlated to exchangeable K, it gave extremely low values even when the exchangeable K was reasonably high.
Background:
Two thirds of the world's population do not consume the recommended amount of Mg, hence the demand for the production of Mg-enriched plants. Sprouts represent promising targets for enrichment. This study evaluated the effects of enriching broccoli, radish, alfalfa and mung bean sprouts with Mg (50-300 mg(.) L(-1) ) on (i) the concentration of Mg and other ions, (ii) biomass accumulation, (iii) levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and (iv) the activity/content of enzymatic and non-enzymatic components of antioxidative systems.
Results:
Enrichment of sprouts with Mg led to a significant increase in Mg concentration, especially in alfalfa (increase of 23-152 %), without depletion of other ions. A higher Mg concentration had a minor effect on biomass accumulation, but increased, often significantly, ROS generation and affected enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidative systems. The level of O2 °(-) increased most in broccoli, by 59-158 %, while OH° increased most in radish, by 200-350 %.
Conclusions:
Enrichment of sprouts with Mg is possible, but attention must be paid to elevated ROS levels in food. Mung bean sprouts are best suited to enrichment as they make a considerable contribution to the daily supplementation of Mg, at still low levels of ROS in enriched plants.
Microgreens are typically produced using peat-based media which are quite costly as the peat component is imported from Europe. In Thailand, there are several local bio-materials that could be substituted for imported peat, resulting in more affordable growth media. Several growth media for microgreens were compared in the current study: sand, peat, coconut coir dust, sugarcane filter cake, vermicompost, coconut coir dust + peat 1:1, coconut coir dust + sugarcane filter cake 1:1, and coconut coir dust + vermicompost 1:1. The local organic bio-materials were found to be effective for the production of microgreens. The maximum microgreens yield of vine spinach (5.17 kg m-2) was obtained with coconut coir dust + peat 1:1. Coconut coir dust + sugarcane filter cake 1:1 produced maximum microgreens yields of kangkong, krathin, leaf mustard and rat-tailed radish (2.26, 1.69, 4.17 and 3.90 kg m-2, respectively). Nutritional contents per 100 g of edible portion of microgreens from kangkong, krathin, leaf mustard, rat-tailed radish and vine spinach were, respectively: protein 6.67, 6.72, 6.55, 6.83 and 7.05 g; fiber 4.28, 2.54, 3.94, 3.70 and 5.33 g; calcium 20.6, 34.0, 31.8, 19.8 and 18.1 mg; iron 2.67, 0.99, 0.71, 0.65 and 0.60 mg. After 7 days of storage at 5°C, microbial populations were evaluated; populations of yeast, mould, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella were determined to be at safe levels.
