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Botany of Food Plants
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Botany of Food Plants

A topical collection in Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This collection belongs to the section "Plant Nutrition".

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Editor

Prof. Dr. Riccardo Motti

E-Mail Website
Collection Editor
Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055, Portici (Naples), Italy
Interests: botany; systematic botany; floras; alien species invasions; ethnobotany; biodeterioration of historical and archaeological buildings
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Topical Collection Information

Dear Colleagues,

The number of known edible plant species across the world is approximately 30,000, but only 7000 have been either cultivated or collected as food. Nevertheless, currently, only 30 species provide for 95% of the world’s food requirements. The decrease of food diversity could lead to negative effects in human health, food security, and food sovereignty. Therefore, expanding the diversity of food produced, distributed, and consumed is one of the major challenges of planetary nutrition for the coming years. In this scenario, knowledge about the state of biodiversity available in local food systems becomes crucial for the improvement of dietary tools and for the development of new ones. Wild food plants may play a relevant role in human health and wellbeing, and adopting a food-based dietary diversity strategy could lead to social, cultural, economic, and environmental benefits. Moreover, wild plants are identified as functional foods and consumed because they have a clear positive influence on health as extraordinary sources of nutraceutical substances. Therefore, knowing processing techniques and nutritional composition of wild food plants is as important as making an inventory of species. Last but not least, the implications of knowledge and management of the wild food plants for the conservation strategies of vegetation resources at local and regional levels are also pivotal.

In this Topical Collection, articles (original research papers, perspectives, hypotheses, opinions, reviews) that focus on wild edible plant diversity, phytochemical characterizations, sensory and nutritional values, metabolomics, traditional knowledge, ethnogastronomy, sustainable food production, and taxonomy are most welcome.

Prof. Dr. Riccardo Motti
Collection Editor

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Keywords

  • wild vegetables
  • functional food
  • ethnobotany
  • ethnogastronomy
  • biodiversity of food plants
  • phytochemistry of food plants
  • metabolomics
  • sensory analysis

Published Papers (12 papers)

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2022

Jump to: 2021

10 pages, 2080 KiB  
Article
The Green Leaf Volatile (Z)-3-Hexenyl Acetate Is Differently Emitted by Two Varieties of Tulbaghia violacea Plants Routinely and after Wounding
by Alessandro Frontini, Luigi De Bellis, Andrea Luvisi, Federica Blando, Samar Min Allah, Rosanna Dimita, Carlo Mininni, Rita Accogli and Carmine Negro
Plants 2022, 11(23), 3305; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233305 - 29 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1803
Abstract
While studying aromas produced by the edible flowers of Tulbaghia violacea, we noticed a different production of (Z)-3-Hexenyl acetate (a green-leaf volatile, GLV) by purple (var. ‘Violacea’) and white (var. ‘Alba’) flowers. The white Tulbaghia flowers constantly emits (Z)-3-Hexenyl acetate, which is [...] Read more.
While studying aromas produced by the edible flowers of Tulbaghia violacea, we noticed a different production of (Z)-3-Hexenyl acetate (a green-leaf volatile, GLV) by purple (var. ‘Violacea’) and white (var. ‘Alba’) flowers. The white Tulbaghia flowers constantly emits (Z)-3-Hexenyl acetate, which is instead produced in a lower amount by the purple-flowered variety. Thus, we moved to analyze the production of (Z)-3-Hexenyl acetate by whole plants of the two varieties by keeping them confined under a glass bell for 5 h together with a SPME (Solid Phase Micro Extraction) fiber. Results show that six main volatile compounds are emitted by T. violacea plants: (Z)-3-Hexenyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, nonanal, decanal, (Z)-3-Hexenyl-α-methylbutyrate, and one unknown compound. By cutting at half-height of the leaves, the (Z)-3-Hexenyl acetate is emitted in high quantities from both varieties, while the production of (Z)-3-Hexenyl-α-methylbutyrate increases. (Z)-3-Hexenyl acetate is a GLV capable of stimulating plant defenses, attracting herbivores and their natural enemies, and it is also involved in plant-to-plant communication and defense priming. Thus, T. violacea could represent a useful model for the study of GLVs production and a ‘signal’ plant capable of stimulating natural defenses in the neighboring plants. Full article
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22 pages, 1343 KiB  
Review
Edible Flowers Used in Some Countries of the Mediterranean Basin: An Ethnobotanical Overview
by Riccardo Motti, Bruno Paura, Alessia Cozzolino and Bruna de Falco
Plants 2022, 11(23), 3272; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233272 - 28 Nov 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5172
Abstract
Edible flowers are becoming an essential component of people’s nutrition in the Mediterranean basin. In the last decades, many researchers also have focused their attention on the nutritional composition of the edible flowers, as well as their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, including studies [...] Read more.
Edible flowers are becoming an essential component of people’s nutrition in the Mediterranean basin. In the last decades, many researchers also have focused their attention on the nutritional composition of the edible flowers, as well as their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, including studies on their safety issues. Despite the growing interest in the use of flowers in human nutrition, the ethnobotanical literature is lacking coverage of some important issues, particularly those which concern the use of flowers in the folk tradition. Only recently, a review regarding the contribution of 32 edible flowers to the Mediterranean diet was published. The aim of the present review is to document the plant lore regarding the wild and cultivated edible flowers consumed in the Mediterranean basin. Based on the 112 studies reviewed, we documented 251 taxa as being used in the Mediterranean basin as edible flowers. The plant species belong to 45 families and 141 genera. Asteraceae (54 taxa) is the most frequently cited family. Sambucus nigra L. is the most cited species. This study can be the basis for future research on the supposed bioactivity and toxicity of wild and cultivated flowers. Full article
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17 pages, 3449 KiB  
Article
Promotion of Wild Food Plant Use Diversity in the Soviet Union, 1922–1991
by Gayana Bexultanova, Julia Prakofjewa, Matteo Sartori, Raivo Kalle, Andrea Pieroni and Renata Sõukand
Plants 2022, 11(20), 2670; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11202670 - 11 Oct 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2454
Abstract
In the Soviet Union, wild food played a secondary role in diet (as cultivated species dominated). Yet the authorities eventually acknowledged their importance as diet diversifiers and a safety reservoir, and started to promote their use through various means, including publishing books on [...] Read more.
In the Soviet Union, wild food played a secondary role in diet (as cultivated species dominated). Yet the authorities eventually acknowledged their importance as diet diversifiers and a safety reservoir, and started to promote their use through various means, including publishing books on the use of wild food plants. These government publications appeared during a specific time, and therefore, we mapped all centralized publications in order to understand the dynamics of the promotion of wild-plant-related knowledge. For deeper analysis, we selected a sample of 12 books promoting wild food plants, and compared the taxa and uses represented in these works, which fall into two key periods: during World War II (1941–1943) and after the war (1953–1989). A total of 323 plant taxa belonging to 69 plant families were named, of which Rosaceae had the highest number of proposed food uses, prompting the reader to explore the use of borderland species. Most diverse food uses were attributed to Sorbus aucuparia, followed by Rosa and Vaccinium oxycoccos. Wartime books had fewer taxa with less variety, with a clear preference for staple food and substitutes, while post-war books promoted desserts and alcoholic drinks. Full article
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13 pages, 2396 KiB  
Article
Construction of Sensory/Mass Spectrometry Feedback Platform for Seeking Aroma Contributors during the Aroma Enhancement of Congou Black Tea
by Sifan Mei, Yanyan Cao, Gang Zhang, Su Zhou, Yi Wang, Shuying Gong, Qiang Chu and Ping Chen
Plants 2022, 11(6), 823; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11060823 - 20 Mar 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2763
Abstract
Baking is widely accepted for aroma enhancement of black tea, and studies have mainly focused on the aroma or chemical substances under a specified baking condition. Understanding of the feedback between aroma substances and characteristics is urgently needed. Therefore, a mutual feedback platform [...] Read more.
Baking is widely accepted for aroma enhancement of black tea, and studies have mainly focused on the aroma or chemical substances under a specified baking condition. Understanding of the feedback between aroma substances and characteristics is urgently needed. Therefore, a mutual feedback platform (SES/MS) combined sensory evaluation system (SES) with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was established. Based on this platform, we found that baking at 90 °C for 4 h or 5 h could maintain the primary aroma attributes and increase characteristic aroma attributes—these were considered to be the best baking conditions for Yunnan congou black tea. Meanwhile, 47 volatiles were identified, among which, pyrrole and benzaldehyde appeared to have a caramel aroma, and 2-furanmethanol and α-terpineol presented a baked aroma. This study reveals the dynamic change of aroma profiles and compounds during the aroma enhancement, and provides an optional template for researchers, focused on the relationship between quality and aroma attributes of teas. Full article
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2 pages, 181 KiB  
Editorial
Wild Edible Plants: A Challenge for Future Diet and Health
by Riccardo Motti
Plants 2022, 11(3), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11030344 - 27 Jan 2022
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 9254
Abstract
Wild edible plants (WEPs) can be defined as native species that grow and reproduce naturally in their natural habitat without being cultivated [...] Full article

2021

Jump to: 2022

19 pages, 743 KiB  
Article
Enough to Feed Ourselves!—Food Plants in Bulgarian Rural Home Gardens
by Teodora Ivanova, Yulia Bosseva, Mihail Chervenkov and Dessislava Dimitrova
Plants 2021, 10(11), 2520; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112520 - 19 Nov 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3439
Abstract
The home garden is a unique human-nature interspace that accommodates a diverse spectrum of plant species and provides multiple services to households. One of the most important roles of home gardens is to shelter the agricultural plant diversity that provides for diverse and [...] Read more.
The home garden is a unique human-nature interspace that accommodates a diverse spectrum of plant species and provides multiple services to households. One of the most important roles of home gardens is to shelter the agricultural plant diversity that provides for diverse and healthy nutrition, especially in rural communities. While tropical home gardens have received wide recognition due to their provisional function for the local communities, temperate and especially European home gardens have been discussed less frequently as a source of subsistence. The main objectives of the current study were to document plant species grown in Bulgarian rural home gardens and to explore related local knowledge and cultural practices that influence food plant diversity, its selection and preservation. Field work was focused on settlements situated in eight provinces in South and North-West Bulgaria. Participants representing 65 home gardens were approached through semi-structured interviews. Home gardens were found to harbor 145 cultivated and semi-cultivated plant taxa, used as food, medicinal and aromatic plants and as animal fodder. Members of the Rosaceae family were most numerous. The largest part of the garden area was occupied by vegetable crops of Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae. In 63.1% of the studied households, the food growing area comprised more than 2/3 of the total size of the garden. Most preferred crops reflected the social and cultural importance of food self-provisioning, especially in the rural areas. The provisional role of the home gardens in regard to preparation of traditional foods and the driving forces for seed saving are discussed. Full article
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38 pages, 2080 KiB  
Article
Divergence of Ethnobotanical Knowledge of Slovenians on the Edge of the Mediterranean as a Result of Historical, Geographical and Cultural Drivers
by Ivana Vitasović-Kosić, Mitja Kaligarič and Josip Juračak
Plants 2021, 10(10), 2087; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10102087 - 1 Oct 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3021
Abstract
State boundaries limit human contacts in a homogenous context of a landscape and its natural features, including plants. After nine centuries of separation, finally the two territories in Slovenia share the same political history. In this paper we tried to answer the question [...] Read more.
State boundaries limit human contacts in a homogenous context of a landscape and its natural features, including plants. After nine centuries of separation, finally the two territories in Slovenia share the same political history. In this paper we tried to answer the question to which extent the past political borders, geographical and cultural drivers affect today’s traditional knowledge on wild plants use of Slovenians, living unified in the same political entity. Data were collected using 60 in-depth semi-structured interviews, from March to August 2019, in two municipalities: Komen at Karst and Izola in Istria concerning food, medicinal, economic use, and local customs. The results indicate a quite large divergence in ethnobotanical and ecological knowledge between the two studied areas. In the Komen area, many people still use wild plants daily for various purposes (Taraxacum officinale, Melissa officinalis, Urtica dioica, Cornus mas, and Sambucus nigra). In contrast, this is limited to fewer people in the Izola area and mainly to seasonal use of specific plants (Asparagus acutifolius, Rosa canina, Salvia officinalis, Foeniculum vulgare and Rubus caesius). Unusual for the Mediterranean is the use of young shoots of Clematis vitalba, in the Izola area prepared as omelettes. We can assume that these differences are partly due to minor differences in climatic conditions and partly due to the influence of different cultures and cuisines. In the first place, the impact of Austro-Hungarian eating habits and cuisine can be seen on the area around Komen. Moreover, temporal “layers of knowledge” across the time scale are additionally mixed by the immigration of people from other parts of Slovenia or abroad, or with the influence of local herbal specialists. At last, we conclude Komen area knowledge is alive and homogeneous, and more connected to their local identity. Full article
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17 pages, 6317 KiB  
Article
Hydro-Environmental Criteria for Introducing an Edible Halophyte from a Rainy Region to an Arid Zone: A Study Case of Suaeda spp. as a New Crop in NW México
by Francyelli Regina Costa-Becheleni, Enrique Troyo-Diéguez, Alejandra Nieto-Garibay, Luis Alejandro Bustamante-Salazar, Hugo Sergio García-Galindo and Bernardo Murillo-Amador
Plants 2021, 10(10), 1996; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10101996 - 24 Sep 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2964
Abstract
Halophytes are capable of growing in saline environments. However, this attribute results from a wide genetic variability, making it difficult to approximate halophytes’ agroecological management. We examined the hydro-climatological attributes associated with the distribution of species of the genus Suaeda in NW Mexico [...] Read more.
Halophytes are capable of growing in saline environments. However, this attribute results from a wide genetic variability, making it difficult to approximate halophytes’ agroecological management. We examined the hydro-climatological attributes associated with the distribution of species of the genus Suaeda in NW Mexico and SW USA, and for S. edulis in central México. The analysis focused on the introduction of the semi-domesticated species Suaeda edulis as a new crop, from central regions of México, reaching an average yield of 8 Mg ha−1 of biomass, to arid NW México. The list of Suaeda species was elaborated from the eHALOPH and Calflora databases, and the NW México Herbarium Network. According to the Hydro-Environmental Availability Index (HEAI), the central regions of Mexico reflect a greater water availability, suitable for S. edulis. In such a humid region, HEAI varied from 6 to 18, indicating sufficient moisture for crops. In contrast, other Suaeda species, including S. nigra, S. esteroa, and S. californica, spread in NW Mexico and SW United States, where the water availability is null during the year, with HEAI scoring from 0 to 4. Under such dryness, S. edulis in NW Mexico will require water through optimized irrigation and plant breeding strategies to ensure its viability as a new crop. Full article
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17 pages, 291 KiB  
Review
Origanum syriacum L. (Za’atar), from Raw to Go: A Review
by Reem Abu Alwafa, Samer Mudalal and Gianluigi Mauriello
Plants 2021, 10(5), 1001; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10051001 - 17 May 2021
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4102
Abstract
The interest in za’atar has increased in recent years due to its economic, cultural, and functional importance. The traditional za’atar mix made from dried Origanum syriacum is now a demanded product nationally and internationally. Air-drying at low temperatures can preserve za’atar quality traits [...] Read more.
The interest in za’atar has increased in recent years due to its economic, cultural, and functional importance. The traditional za’atar mix made from dried Origanum syriacum is now a demanded product nationally and internationally. Air-drying at low temperatures can preserve za’atar quality traits better than other techniques such as oven-drying. The Palestinian za’atar market has the potential to develop and increase its value. However, it is facing many challenges. Another valuable product of za’atar is essential oil. Za’atar essential oil quantity and quality are affected by many factors including geographical location, cultivation, harvesting season, soil, extraction method, temperature, and others. These factors interact with za’atar and with each other; therefore, some factors are more effective than others and further research is needed to determine the optimum condition for producing and obtaining za’atar essential oil. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities are the main functionalities of za’atar essential oil that are behind its medicinal importance. One hundred and twenty-one compounds have been identified in za’atar essential oil. The most common compounds are thymol, γ–terpinene, carvacrol, and α-pinene. The variation in the composition among za’atar essential oil samples results from the different conditions of the studies during za’atar growth as well as essential oil extraction. Full article
29 pages, 7977 KiB  
Article
Design a Database of Italian Vascular Alimurgic Flora (AlimurgITA): Preliminary Results
by Bruno Paura, Piera Di Marzio, Giovanni Salerno, Elisabetta Brugiapaglia and Annarita Bufano
Plants 2021, 10(4), 743; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10040743 - 10 Apr 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3746
Abstract
Despite the large number of data published in Italy on WEPs, there is no database providing a complete knowledge framework. Hence the need to design a database of the Italian alimurgic flora: AlimurgITA. Only strictly alimurgic taxa were chosen, excluding casual alien and [...] Read more.
Despite the large number of data published in Italy on WEPs, there is no database providing a complete knowledge framework. Hence the need to design a database of the Italian alimurgic flora: AlimurgITA. Only strictly alimurgic taxa were chosen, excluding casual alien and cultivated ones. The collected data come from an archive of 358 texts (books and scientific articles) from 1918 to date, chosen with appropriate criteria. For each taxon, the part of the plant used, the method of use, the chorotype, the biological form and the regional distribution in Italy were considered. The 1103 taxa of edible flora already entered in the database equal 13.09% of Italian flora. The most widespread family is that of the Asteraceae (20.22%); the most widely used taxa are Cichorium intybus and Borago officinalis. The not homogeneous regional distribution of WEPs (maximum in the south and minimum in the north) has been interpreted. Texts published reached its peak during the 2001–2010 decade. A database for Italian WEPs is important to have a synthesis and to represent the richness and complexity of this knowledge, also in light of its potential for cultural enhancement, as well as its applications for the agri-food system. Full article
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20 pages, 2290 KiB  
Article
Proximate Analyses and Amino Acid Composition of Selected Wild Indigenous Fruits of Southern Africa
by Nozipho P. Sibiya, Eugenie Kayitesi and Annah N. Moteetee
Plants 2021, 10(4), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10040721 - 8 Apr 2021
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5516
Abstract
A literature survey revealed that several wild indigenous Southern African fruits had previously not been evaluated for their proximate and amino acid composition, as well as the total energy value (caloric value). Fourteen species including Carissa macrocarpa, Carpobrotus edulis, Dovyalis caffra [...] Read more.
A literature survey revealed that several wild indigenous Southern African fruits had previously not been evaluated for their proximate and amino acid composition, as well as the total energy value (caloric value). Fourteen species including Carissa macrocarpa, Carpobrotus edulis, Dovyalis caffra, Halleria lucida, Manilkara mochisia, Pappea capensis, Phoenix reclinata, and Syzygium guineense were analyzed in this study. The nutritional values for several species such as C. edulis, H. lucida, P. reclinata, and M. mochisia are being reported here for the first time. The following fruits had the highest proximate values: C. macrocarpa (ash at 20.42 mg/100 g), S. guineense (fat at 7.75 mg/100 g), P. reclinata (fiber at 29.89 mg/100 g), and H. lucida (protein at 6.98 mg/100 g and carbohydrates at 36.98 mg/100 g). Essential amino acids such as histidine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and valine were reported in all studied indigenous fruits. The high protein content in H. lucida was exhibited by the highest amino acid quantities for histidine. However, the fruits are a poor source of proteins since the content is lower than the recommended daily intake. The jacket-plum (Pappea capensis), on the other hand, meets and exceeds the required daily intake of lysine (0.0003 g/100 g or 13 mg/kg) recommended by the World Health Organization. Full article
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17 pages, 1193 KiB  
Review
Wild Plants Used as Herbs and Spices in Italy: An Ethnobotanical Review
by Riccardo Motti
Plants 2021, 10(3), 563; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10030563 - 16 Mar 2021
Cited by 42 | Viewed by 5632
Abstract
Wild edible plants are an essential component of people’s diets in the Mediterranean basin. In Italy, ethnobotanical surveys have received increasing attention in the past two centuries, with some of these studies focusing on wild edible plants. In this regard, the literature in [...] Read more.
Wild edible plants are an essential component of people’s diets in the Mediterranean basin. In Italy, ethnobotanical surveys have received increasing attention in the past two centuries, with some of these studies focusing on wild edible plants. In this regard, the literature in Italy lacks the coverage of some major issues focusing on plants used as herbs and spices. I searched national journals for articles on the use of wild food plants in Italy, published from 1963 to 2020. Aims of the present review were to document plant lore regarding wild herbs and spices in Italy, identify the wild plants most frequently used as spices, analyze the distribution of wild herbs and spices used at a national scale, and finally, to describe the most common phytochemical compounds present in wild plant species. Based on the 34 studies reviewed, I documented 78 wild taxa as being used in Italy as herbs or spices. The studies I included in this systematic review demonstrate that wild species used as herbs and spices enrich Italian folk cuisine and can represent an important resource for profitable, integrated local small-scale activities. Full article
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