Volume: 3, 2024
3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: F004
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.F004
Published online: 24 April 2024
ICDSUPL, 3, F004 (2024)
Content of selected micro and macro elements in microgreens of rare oilseed plants
Karolina Dereń1*, Joanna Kapusta-Duch1, Elżbieta Jędrszczyk2, Sylwester Smoleń3, Barbara Borczak1
1 Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Food Technology, University of Agriculture in Cracow, Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Cracow, Poland
2 Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Biotechnology and Horticulture, University of Agriculture in Cracow, Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Cracow, Poland
3 Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Horticulture, University of Agriculture in Cracow, Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Cracow, Poland
* Corresponding author: karolina.deren.sd@student.urk.edu.pl
Abstract
Microgreens, also known as microleaves, are the young shoots of plants, harvested typically up to 2–3 weeks after germination. Microgreens are a new, rapidly developing food group, that is attracting the attention of consumers, especially chefs’ of high-end restaurants who use various microgreens, primarily as garnishing elements. Consumers appreciate microgreens due to their attributes such as attractive appearance, aroma, taste and colors, but many of them are not aware of their invaluable health-promoting properties. Microgreens are rich in various health-promoting phytonutrients, such as antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, phenolic compounds, they are considered the next generation of “superfoods”. However, data on microgreens is still limited. There is lack of information on the nutritional value of the microgreens of rare oilseed plants, whose seeds, which are better examined, are a source of many health-promoting substances. The aim of the study was to determine the content of selected micro and macro elements in microgreens of black cumin (Nigella sativa L), safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L) and camelina (Camelina sativa L). The tested materials were grown in the greenhouse of the Faculty of Biotechnology and Horticulture of the Agricultural University of Krakow. The amounts of selected micro and macroelements (e.g. magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe)) were quantified using an optical emission spectrometer with high-dispersion inductively coupled plasma (ICP-OES). Of all elements examined, potassium was the macronutrient whose content in all the examined species of the microgreens was the highest and ranged widely from 8976.99 to 10854.46 mg per 100 g DW. Among the tested plants, camelina microgreens contained the highest amounts of phosphorus (1361.04 mg per 100 g DW), sulfur (1329.57 mg per 100 g DW), zinc (16.91 mg per 100 DW), iron (29.34 mg per 100g DW) and copper (1.78 mg per 100 g DW). The lowest amount of calcium, magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus, zinc and copper were present in the nigella microgreens. The amount of micro and macro elements in microgreens is a significant criterion for the assessment of their nutritional quality and impact on health. This information is valuable for both healthcare professionals and consumers.
Keywords: microgreens, nigella, safflower, camelina
How to cite
K. Dereń, J. Kapusta-Duch, E. Jędrszczyk, S. Smoleń, B. Borczak, 2024. Content of selected micro and macro elements in microgreens of rare oilseed plants. In: 3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.F004