17 February 2022 — The nutritional content of broccoli and kale microgreens can be affected by environmental conditions. Researchers from the US-based ACS Food Science and Technology observed that kale and broccoli microgreens had different amounts of phytonutrient compounds when compared in both growth environments.
Additionally, this growth environment can impact the microgreens’ flavor and health benefits.
Microgreens grown fully are rich in vitamins and phytochemicals. Unfortunately, little is known about the levels of these compounds found in young microgreens.
The study was funded by the US Department of Agriculture.
Controlled growth
The broccoli and Kale seeds were planted in the spring and then placed on a windowsill under natural sunlight for 12 hours per day. Research process. A separate sample was placed in a temperature-controlled growth chamber refrigerator with artificial sunshine.
The broccoli and kale microgreens remained rich in polyphenols after ten days, regardless of how they had been grown.
Researchers have observed that microgreens are increasingly popular in indoor gardening.
There was a higher amount of three flavonol compounds in the windowsill-grown microgreens that make up the plant’s dark color and bitter taste. This was in comparison with chamber-grown plants that had higher levels of glucosinolates. Glucosinolates are anticancer-related and antioxidant compounds.
Based on previous investigations
Researchers had previously discovered that microgreens of red cabbage were more nutritious than full-grown vegetables.
Similar assessments on other Brassica – broccoli, kale, cabbage and mustard – seedlings had not been conducted yet.
Researchers wanted to compare data from microgreens grown on windowsills with those raised in commercial growth chambers in order to determine the levels of polyphenols, glucosinolates, and kale.
Microgreens gaining popularity
Previous research in the US found that microgreens have been growing in popularity as functional foods and may help to address nutrition issues. This is in line with a Colorado State University study which found microgreens are growing in popularity because they can be grown indoors, and require very little water.
Future Crops also unveiled an automated system that allows you to grow microgreens and herbs without pesticides.
By Nicole Kerr
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