Martina Puccinelli1, Fernando Malorgio1,2, Irene Rosellini3, Beatrice Pezzarossa3. 1. Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. 2. Interdepartmental Research Center 'Nutraceuticals and Food for Health', University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. 3. Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems, National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Microgreens (i.e. tender immature greens) are a popular alternative to sprouts (i.e. germinating seeds) because of their higher content of vitamins, carotenoids and phenols, as well as their lower content of nitrates. Their nutritional value can be improved by biofortification, which increases micronutrient levels during plant growth. Because selenium (Se) plays a significant role in antioxidant defense, biofortification with Se is a good way of improving the nutritional quality of sprouts and microgreens. The present study investigated the production of Se-fortified microgreens from Se-enriched seeds of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). These microgreens could be used as new beneficial dietary supplements. RESULTS: Basil plants were grown in a nutrient solution, containing 0 (control), 4 or 8 mg Se L-1 as sodium selenate, to full maturity. Seeds accumulated a high amount of Se and were then used to produce microgreens. The germination index was higher in the seeds from Se-treated plants and the microgreens were enriched in Se. The antioxidant capacity of Se-fortified microgreens was higher compared to the control. CONCLUSION: The production of microgreens from Se-enriched seeds could comprise a good system for obtaining microgreens with a high nutritional value. Basil plants treated with Se could be used to produce both Se-fortified leaves and microgreens.
BACKGROUND: Microgreens (i.e. tender immature greens) are a popular alternative to sprouts (i.e. germinating seeds) because of their higher content of vitamins, carotenoids and phenols, as well as their lower content of nitrates. Their nutritional value can be improved by biofortification, which increases micronutrient levels during plant growth. Because selenium (Se) plays a significant role in antioxidant defense, biofortification with Se is a good way of improving the nutritional quality of sprouts and microgreens. The present study investigated the production of Se-fortified microgreens from Se-enriched seeds of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). These microgreens could be used as new beneficial dietary supplements. RESULTS:Basil plants were grown in a nutrient solution, containing 0 (control), 4 or 8 mg Se L-1 as sodium selenate, to full maturity. Seeds accumulated a high amount of Se and were then used to produce microgreens. The germination index was higher in the seeds from Se-treated plants and the microgreens were enriched in Se. The antioxidant capacity of Se-fortified microgreens was higher compared to the control. CONCLUSION: The production of microgreens from Se-enriched seeds could comprise a good system for obtaining microgreens with a high nutritional value. Basil plants treated with Se could be used to produce both Se-fortified leaves and microgreens.
Authors: Sarah A Johnson; Jessica E Prenni; Adam L Heuberger; Hanan Isweiri; Jacqueline M Chaparro; Steven E Newman; Mark E Uchanski; Heather M Omerigic; Kiri A Michell; Marisa Bunning; Michelle T Foster; Henry J Thompson; Tiffany L Weir Journal: Curr Dev Nutr Date: 2020-12-18
Authors: Antonio Pannico; Christophe El-Nakhel; Giulia Graziani; Marios C Kyriacou; Maria Giordano; Georgios A Soteriou; Armando Zarrelli; Alberto Ritieni; Stefania De Pascale; Youssef Rouphael Journal: Antioxidants (Basel) Date: 2020-03-25