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Ongoing Research on Microgreens: Nutritional Properties, Shelf-life, Sustainable Production, Innovative...
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Ongoing Research on Microgreens: Nutritional Properties, Shelf-life, Sustainable Production, Innovative Growing and Processing Approaches

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods, and Novel Foods".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2020) | Viewed by 56951

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Vito Michele Paradiso

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Guest Editor
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, Laboratory of Agri-Food Microbiology and Food Technologies, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, I-73100 Lecce, Italy
Interests: grapes; wine; phenolic compounds; volatile compounds; wine fining
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Massimiliano Renna

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy, via Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy
Interests: nutritional and sensorial evaluation of vegetables; biofortification of vegetables; food processing of vegetable products; gastronomy and Mediterranean diet; soilless cultivation technique; microgreens production; exploitation of underutilized crop and wild edible plant
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

“Microgreens” is a marketing term used to describe young and tender edible seedlings harvested when the cotyledonary leaves have fully developed and the first true leaves emerge (usually 7–21 days after germination). This category of vegetables presents different traits as compared to the already known sprouts and the common baby leaf vegetables. Microgreens are gaining increasing interest as potential functional foods, due to their relevant contents of micronutrients and bioactive compounds. They are gaining popularity also due to their varying and attractive colors, textures, and flavors. The wide number of species and cultivars that can be grown as microgreens, as well as the possibility to control their growing conditions even in micro-scale production underlie their promising potential for tailored nutrition as well as to address particularly demanding categories of consumers, such as vegans of raw-foodists. At the same time, microgreens can be grown in a very simple way, even in very little spaces, being suitable for urban agriculture, as well as a component of space life support systems. Nevertheless, several research themes need to be explored, e.g., nutritional potential and variability; effects of growing conditions on their nutritional profile; packaging and shelf-life of microgreens marketed on their own growing substrate; nutrient bioaccessibility and bioavailability; sensory profiling; environmental and sustainability issues of microgreens production; and microgreens safety. This Special Issue intends to cover the state-of-the-art, recent progress and perspectives related to production, post-harvest, characterization, and potential of microgreens. All types of manuscripts (original research, reviews, short communications, letters to editor, and discussions) are welcome.

Dr. Vito Michele Paradiso
Dr. Massimiliano Renna
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Foods is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Functional foods
  • Tailored nutrition
  • Biofortification
  • Shelf-life
  • Packaging
  • Nutritional value
  • Growing media
  • Sustainability
  • Bioaccessibility
  • Urban agriculture

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

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5 pages, 190 KiB  
Editorial
Ongoing Research on Microgreens: Nutritional Properties, Shelf-Life, Sustainable Production, Innovative Growing and Processing Approaches
by Massimiliano Renna and Vito Michele Paradiso
Foods 2020, 9(6), 826; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9060826 - 24 Jun 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 11834
Abstract
Microgreens garner immense potential for improving the nutritional value of the human diet, considering their high content of healthy compounds. On the other hand, they are gaining more and more interest not only for their nutritional value but also for their interesting organoleptic [...] Read more.
Microgreens garner immense potential for improving the nutritional value of the human diet, considering their high content of healthy compounds. On the other hand, they are gaining more and more interest not only for their nutritional value but also for their interesting organoleptic traits and commercial potential. The purpose of this Special Issue is to publish high-quality research papers with the aim to cover the state-of-the-art, recent progress and perspectives related to production, post-harvest, characterization, and potential of microgreens. A broad range of aspects such as cultivation, post-harvest techniques and packaging, analytical methods, nutritional value, bioaccessibily and prospects are covered. All contributions are of significant relevance and could stimulate further research in this area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ongoing Research on Microgreens: Nutritional Properties, Shelf-life, Sustainable Production, Innovative Growing and Processing Approaches)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

17 pages, 1595 KiB  
Article
Yield and Quality Characteristics of Brassica Microgreens as Affected by the NH4:NO3 Molar Ratio and Strength of the Nutrient Solution
by Onofrio Davide Palmitessa, Massimiliano Renna, Pasquale Crupi, Angelo Lovece, Filomena Corbo and Pietro Santamaria
Foods 2020, 9(5), 677; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9050677 - 25 May 2020
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 6187
Abstract
Microgreens are gaining more and more interest, but little information is available on the effects of the chemical composition of the nutrient solution on the microgreen yield. In this study, three Brassica genotypes (B. oleracea var. italica, B. oleracea var. botrytis [...] Read more.
Microgreens are gaining more and more interest, but little information is available on the effects of the chemical composition of the nutrient solution on the microgreen yield. In this study, three Brassica genotypes (B. oleracea var. italica, B. oleracea var. botrytis, and Brassica rapa L. subsp. sylvestris L. Janch. var. esculenta Hort) were fertigated with three modified strength Hoagland nutrient solutions (1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 strength) or with three modified half-strength Hoagland nutrient solutions with three different NH4:NO3 molar ratios (5:95, 15:85, and 25:75). Microgreen yields and content of inorganic ions, dietary fiber, proteins, α-tocopherol, and β-carotene were evaluated. Micro cauliflower showed the highest yield, as well as a higher content of mineral elements and α-tocopherol (10.4 mg 100 g−1 fresh weight (FW)) than other genotypes. The use of nutrient solution at half strength gave both a high yield (0.23 g cm−2) and a desirable seedling height. By changing the NH4:NO3 molar ratio in the nutrient solution, no differences were found on yield and growing parameters, although the highest β-carotene content (6.3 mg 100 g−1 FW) was found by using a NH4:NO3 molar ratio of 25:75. The lowest nitrate content (on average 6.8 g 100 g−1 dry weight) was found in micro broccoli and micro broccoli raab by using a nutrient solution with NH4:NO3 molar ratios of 25:75 and 5:95, respectively. Micro cauliflower fertigated with a NH4:NO3 molar ratio of 25:75 showed the highest dry matter (9.8 g 100 g−1 FW) and protein content (4.2 g 100 g−1 FW). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ongoing Research on Microgreens: Nutritional Properties, Shelf-life, Sustainable Production, Innovative Growing and Processing Approaches)
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23 pages, 4174 KiB  
Article
Effect of Packaging and Coating Technique on Postharvest Quality and Shelf Life of Raphanus sativus L. and Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Microgreens
by Manjula D. Ghoora and Nagarajan Srividya
Foods 2020, 9(5), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9050653 - 19 May 2020
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6094
Abstract
Microgreens are highly respiring produce characterized by a relatively short shelf-life. In this study, the efficacy of two types of macro-perforated packaging, PET clamshell (PET–CS) and LDPE self-seal bag (LDPE–SSB), was assessed on the postharvest quality and shelf life of radish (RaS) and [...] Read more.
Microgreens are highly respiring produce characterized by a relatively short shelf-life. In this study, the efficacy of two types of macro-perforated packaging, PET clamshell (PET–CS) and LDPE self-seal bag (LDPE–SSB), was assessed on the postharvest quality and shelf life of radish (RaS) and roselle (HbS) microgreens stored at 5 °C. Pre-harvest spray treatment (AGSC) was compared with postharvest dip coating (AGDC) using Aloe vera gel (AG) for the first time in microgreens for postharvest quality improvement. PET–CS had a lower physiological loss in weight (PLW), respiration rate (RR), electrolyte leakage (EL), microbial counts (MCs), and higher overall acceptability (OA) than LDPE–SSB. AG-coated microgreens had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lesser deteriorative postharvest changes and higher ascorbic acid content than uncoated control. AGSC maintained better OA and postharvest quality than AGDC, especially at the end of the study period in terms of reducing EL, retaining greenness (−a*), and chroma value in HbS microgreens. In RaS microgreens, AGSC helped to maintain lower PLW, MC, and higher ascorbic acid levels. AGSC could be suggested as an eco-friendly ergonomic pre-harvest treatment along with PET–CS for enhancement of postharvest quality and shelf life in RaS and HbS microgreens, with a tremendous potential to be extended to other microgreens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ongoing Research on Microgreens: Nutritional Properties, Shelf-life, Sustainable Production, Innovative Growing and Processing Approaches)
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20 pages, 3063 KiB  
Article
Accumulation of Agmatine, Spermidine, and Spermine in Sprouts and Microgreens of Alfalfa, Fenugreek, Lentil, and Daikon Radish
by Irena Kralj Cigić, Sašo Rupnik, Tjaša Rijavec, Nataša Poklar Ulrih and Blaž Cigić
Foods 2020, 9(5), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9050547 - 1 May 2020
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 7056
Abstract
Sprouts and microgreens are a rich source of various bioactive compounds. Seeds of lentil, fenugreek, alfalfa, and daikon radish seeds were germinated and the contents of the polyamines agmatine (AGM), putrescine (PUT), cadaverine (CAD), spermidine (SPD), and spermine (SPM) in ungerminated seeds, sprouts, [...] Read more.
Sprouts and microgreens are a rich source of various bioactive compounds. Seeds of lentil, fenugreek, alfalfa, and daikon radish seeds were germinated and the contents of the polyamines agmatine (AGM), putrescine (PUT), cadaverine (CAD), spermidine (SPD), and spermine (SPM) in ungerminated seeds, sprouts, and microgreens were determined. In general, sprouting led to the accumulation of the total polyamine content. The highest levels of AGM (5392 mg/kg) were found in alfalfa microgreens, PUT (1079 mg/kg) and CAD (3563 mg/kg) in fenugreek sprouts, SPD (579 mg/kg) in lentil microgreens, and SPM (922 mg/kg) in fenugreek microgreens. A large increase in CAD content was observed in all three legume sprouts. Conversely, the nutritionally beneficial polyamines AGM, SPD, and SPM were accumulated in microgreens, while their contents of CAD were significantly lower. In contrast, daikon radish sprouts exhibited a nutritionally better profile of polyamines than the microgreens. Freezing and thawing of legume sprouts resulted in significant degradation of CAD, PUT, and AGM by endogenous diamine oxidases. The enzymatic potential of fenugreek sprouts can be used to degrade exogenous PUT, CAD, and tyramine at pH values above 5. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ongoing Research on Microgreens: Nutritional Properties, Shelf-life, Sustainable Production, Innovative Growing and Processing Approaches)
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Graphical abstract

12 pages, 3100 KiB  
Article
Setup of an Extraction Method for the Analysis of Carotenoids in Microgreens
by Vito Michele Paradiso, Maria Castellino, Massimiliano Renna, Pietro Santamaria and Francesco Caponio
Foods 2020, 9(4), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9040459 - 8 Apr 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5968
Abstract
Microgreens are gaining increasing interest as a potential functional food due to their relevant contents of micronutrients and bioactive compounds, including carotenoids. Nevertheless, the analysis of carotenoids is inherently difficult, due to their thermal and chemical susceptibility, as well as to their varying [...] Read more.
Microgreens are gaining increasing interest as a potential functional food due to their relevant contents of micronutrients and bioactive compounds, including carotenoids. Nevertheless, the analysis of carotenoids is inherently difficult, due to their thermal and chemical susceptibility, as well as to their varying polarity. From this point of view, extraction is the most critical step, compared to chromatographic separation and detection. Thus, the reliability of data on carotenoids should be guaranteed by a constant focus on analytical issues, with appropriate adaptations to each sample matrix. In this research, a specific extraction procedure for the analysis of carotenoids in microgreens was developed. Solvent composition, extraction time, solvent/sample ratio, and repeated extractions were evaluated. The obtained protocol showed recovery of 97.2%, limits of quantitation of 5.2 μg·g−1 for lutein and 15.9 μg·g−1 for β-carotene, as well as intra-day mean repeatability of 5.7% and inter-day mean repeatability of 4.7%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ongoing Research on Microgreens: Nutritional Properties, Shelf-life, Sustainable Production, Innovative Growing and Processing Approaches)
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19 pages, 2721 KiB  
Article
Antioxidant and Mineral Composition of Three Wild Leafy Species: A Comparison Between Microgreens and Baby Greens
by Anna Lenzi, Alessandro Orlandini, Roberta Bulgari, Antonio Ferrante and Piero Bruschi
Foods 2019, 8(10), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods8100487 - 12 Oct 2019
Cited by 68 | Viewed by 7801
Abstract
Wild plants may play an important role in human nutrition and health and, among them, many are the leafy species. We hypothesized that the wild greens could be profitably grown as microgreens and baby greens, specialty products whose market is increasing. We compared [...] Read more.
Wild plants may play an important role in human nutrition and health and, among them, many are the leafy species. We hypothesized that the wild greens could be profitably grown as microgreens and baby greens, specialty products whose market is increasing. We compared three wild leafy species (Sanguisorba minor Scop., Sinapis arvensis L., and Taraxacum officinale Weber ex F. H. Wigg.) harvested at the microgreen and baby green stages. Seedlings were grown hydroponically in a half-strength Hoagland nutrient solution under controlled climatic conditions. At harvest, the yield was assessed, and chlorophylls, carotenoids, anthocyanins, phenolic index, nitrate, and mineral elements were measured in the two types of product. The potential contribution to human mineral intake was calculated, and the possible risk due to the presence of metals potentially detrimental for health was estimated. Results showed that micro/baby greens of the studied wild plants achieved competitive yields and could contribute to the dietary intake of macroelements, microelements, and non-nutrient bioactive compounds. On the other hand, the wild greens showed high amounts of nitrate and traces of some metals potentially detrimental for health, suggesting the need for caution in the use of wild species for producing microgreens and baby leaves. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ongoing Research on Microgreens: Nutritional Properties, Shelf-life, Sustainable Production, Innovative Growing and Processing Approaches)
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16 pages, 347 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Bioaccessibility of Antioxidant Bioactive Compounds and Minerals of Four Genotypes of Brassicaceae Microgreens
by Beatriz de la Fuente, Gabriel López-García, Vicent Máñez, Amparo Alegría, Reyes Barberá and Antonio Cilla
Foods 2019, 8(7), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods8070250 - 9 Jul 2019
Cited by 87 | Viewed by 9258
Abstract
Microgreens constitute an emerging class of fresh, healthy foods due to their nutritional composition. In this study the content of minerals and antioxidant bioactive compounds, and for the first time bioaccessibility, were evaluated in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck), green [...] Read more.
Microgreens constitute an emerging class of fresh, healthy foods due to their nutritional composition. In this study the content of minerals and antioxidant bioactive compounds, and for the first time bioaccessibility, were evaluated in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck), green curly kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica L.), red mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.) and radish (Raphanus sativus L.) hydroponic microgreens. Macro- (K, Ca, Mg) and oligo-elements (Fe, Zn), ascorbic acid, total soluble polyphenols, total carotenoids, total anthocyanins, total isothiocyanates and total antioxidant capacity (Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) were determined before and after the standardized simulated gastrointestinal digestion process. All microgreens provided relevant amounts of vitamin C (31–56 mg/100 g fresh weight) and total carotenoids (162–224 mg β-carotene/100 g dry weight). Mineral content was comparable to that normally found in hydroponic microgreens and the low potassium levels observed would allow their dietetic recommendation for patients with impaired kidney function. Both total soluble polyphenols and total isothiocyanates were the greatest contributors to the total antioxidant capacity after digestion (43–70% and 31–63% bioaccessibility, respectively) while macroelements showed an important bioaccessibility (34–90%). In general, radish and mustard presented the highest bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds and minerals. Overall, the four hydroponic Brassicaceae microgreens present a wide array of antioxidant bioactive compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ongoing Research on Microgreens: Nutritional Properties, Shelf-life, Sustainable Production, Innovative Growing and Processing Approaches)
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