The value of agroecology in promoting sustainable urban food systems

La provisión de alimentos es uno de los principales objetivos a tener en cuenta en cualquier plan de desarrollo económico, urbanístico y social. Los sistemas alimentarios convencionalizados contribuyen a fenó-menos meteorológicos extremos, a la degradación del suelo y la pérdida de la biodiversidad. Para hacer frente a estos desafíos es necesario un enfoque sostenible, garantizando alimentos suficientes para cubrir los estándares de nutrición y de bienestar, sin poner en riesgo las bases económicas, sociales y ambientales para las generaciones futuras. Este trabajo estudia las implica-ciones de los sistemas alimentarios y el valor de la agroecología para diseñar escenarios de ruralización de las áreas urbanas para proporcionar alimentos seguros y nutritivos de forma sostenible.Los usos del suelo urbano deben contribuir a construir paisajes destinados a sanar, conectar y potenciar las relaciones entre los actores del territorio con la Naturaleza. Las áreas periurbanas pueden ser planificadas para el desarrollo de la agroecología recreativa, combinando naturaleza, producción sostenible, conservación del paisaje, recreación, preservación del patrimonio cultural y servicios eco-educativos. El uso del suelo urbano a través de soluciones proambientales innovadoras puede apoyar el sistema de resiliencia verde, eco-orientando los usos del suelo a los ecosistemas urbanos y servir para mejorar la calidad de vida en la ciudad.127Cómo citar este artículo / Com citar aquest article / Citation: Raigón Jiménez, M. D. (2023). El valor de la agroecología para promover sistemas alimentarios urbanos sostenibles. kult-ur, 10 (19). https://doi.org/10.6035/kult-ur.7198Recibido: 2023-02-22 | Revisado: 2023-05-09 | Aceptado: 2023-06-04 | Publicado: 2023-07-07La provisió d’aliments és un dels principals objectius a tenir en compte en qualsevol pla de desenvolupament econòmic, urbanístic i social. Els siste-mes alimentaris més convencionals contribueixen a fenòmens meteorològics extrems, a la degradació del sòl i la pèrdua de la biodiversitat. Per a fer front a aquests desafiaments és necessari un enfocament sostenible, garantint aliments suficients per a cobrir els estàndards de nutrició i de benestar, sense posar en risc les bases econòmiques, socials i ambientals per a les generacions futures. Aquest treball estudia les implicacions dels sistemes alimentaris i el valor de l’agroecologia per a dissenyar escenaris de ruralització de les àrees urbanes per a proporcionar aliments segurs i nutritius de manera sostenible.Els usos del sòl urbà han de contribuir a construir paisatges destinats a sanar, connectar i potenciar les relacions entre els actors del territori amb la Naturalesa. Les àrees periurbanes poden ser planificades per al desenvolupament de l’agro-ecologia recreativa, combinant naturalesa, producció sostenible, conservació del paisatge, recreació, preservació del patrimoni cultural i serveis eco-educatius. L’ús del sòl urbà a través de solucions proambientals innovadores pot donar suport al sistema de resiliència verda, eco-orientant els usos del sòl als ecosiste-mes urbans i servir per a millorar la qualitat de vida a la ciutat.Providing food is one of the main objectives to consider in any economic, urban and social development plan. Conventional food systems con-tribute to extreme weather events, land degradation and biodiversity loss. Mee-ting these challenges calls for a sustainable approach that ensures sufficient food to meet nutritional and welfare standards without compromising the economic, social and environmental foundations for future generations. This paper explo-res the implications of food systems and the value of agroecology in the design of ruralisation scenarios in urban areas to provide safe and nutritious food sus-tainably. The way urban land is used should help to build landscapes aimed at healing, connecting and enhancing relationships between local actors and nature. Plan-ning of peri-urban areas can involve the development of recreational agroe-cology, combining nature, sustainable production, landscape conservation, recreation, cultural heritage preservation and eco-educational services. Urban land use through innovative pro-environmental solutions can support the green resilience system, eco-orienting land uses to urban ecosystems, as well as hel-ping to improve quality of life in the city

Feminismos africanos en las novelas de Ayesha Harruna Attah

It is our contention to analyse the women characters in the novels written by the Ghanaian Ayesha Harrunah Attah, Harmattan Rain, Saturday’s Shadows and The Hundred Wells of Salaga framing our study within African feminism theories as we look for the connections between the history of Ghana and the experiences lived by the main characters. We will develop the different manifestations of feminism in Africa, starting from a common concern to African feminisms, to seek female agency and autonomy. African Feminisms emerge as activist movements and share the necessity of a positive change in society where women are full citizens. We will trace African Feminism from Filomina Steady, Buchi Emecheta ́s activism, Molara Ogundipe Leslie’s Stiwanism, Obioma Nnameka’s Nego-Feminism to Ecofeminism.Nuestro interés en este artículo es analizar los personajes femeninos en las novelas de la autora ghanesa Ayesha Attah, Harmattan Rain, Saturday ́s Shadows y The Hundred Wells of Salaga. Lo haremos enmarcando nuestro estudio en las teorías del feminismo africano para ver la conexión entre la historia oficial de Ghana y la historia vivida por las protago- nistas. Analizaremos las distintas manifestaciones del feminismo en África, partiendo de la preocupación común a esos movimientos, la de buscar la autonomía y la agencia de la mujer. Todos los feminismos africanos emergen de movimientos activistas y comparten la necesidad de un cambio positivo en la sociedad donde las mujeres sean tenidas en cuenta como ciudadanos plenos. Empezaremos hablando del feminismo de Filomina Steady para continuar con el activismo de Buchi Emecheta, el Stiwanism de Molara Ogundipe, el Nego-Feminismo de Obioma Nnameka, para llegar al ecofeminismo

Five undervalued edible species inherent to autumn-winter season: nutritional composition, ioactive constituents and volatiles profile

[EN] Background: Wild edible herbs have historically been used as local nutritional and medicinal sources. These plants grow spontaneously, depending on the season.They adapt well to different edaphoclimatic conditions, generating a diversity constituent beneficial to health. They impart compounds needed in the human diet in regard to macro and micronutrients. When consumed raw, they keep their properties intact and provide health benefits. Five undervalued edible plants: Stellaria media (L.) Vill, Tropaeolum majus L., Sonchus oleraceus L., henopodium album L. and Diplotaxis erucoides (L.) DC are characteristic of the autumn-winter season in the Valencian coastal region and could have new sustainable agro-ecological potential for the local commercial sector. However, little information is available from the nutritional quality and bioactive composition viewpoint for these species. Concurrently, the volatiles compounds profiles describing the characteristic flavors are unknown. Methods: Nutritional characteristics, bioactive compounds, and other chemical components of the fresh leaves were analyzed. In addition, the volatiles composite profile was performed. The analyzed species come from the soil reservoir; their wild growth is adjusted to the autumn season. The proximate analysis was carried out by Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods. Total antioxidants were measured as 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrzyl hydrate (DPPH) and total polyphenols content via the Folin-Ciocalteu procedure. Volatiles profile was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The vegetative part analyzed was the tender leaves with edible potential. Results: A high variability has been obtained in the composition of the species studied. The proximate analysis found a considerable content of fiber (1.22¿5.4 g·100 g¿1), potassium (157.7¿1,250.6 mg·100 g¿1), iron (0.6¿2.0 mg·100 g¿1), and a low caloric value (16.1¿43.02 kcal·mg·100 g¿1). In bioactive compounds analysis, a high level of antioxidants was highlighted (1,604.3¿4,874.6 mmol·100 g¿1), followed by chlorophylls. Volatiles profile revealed that the species were rich in benzenoids (33.8¿89.9%) as the majority family. The pyrazines class was characteristic only in D. erucoides L. Discussion: Fresh edible leaves of the undervalued plants show considerable nutritional potential and a high bioactive components level, which highlight the antioxidant capacity. Leaves of C. album L. stand out due to their higher concentration of nutritional compounds, while D. erucoides L. is noted for its higher antioxidant capacity. Aromatic descriptor of pyrazines detected in the leaves of D. erucoides L. is associated with the slightly spicy flavors that characterize this species. Results suggest that studied species could be of great relevance in introducing these five edible herbs as a source of new grown material, postulating them as healthy food ingredients with attractive flavors for the gourmet cuisine industry.Fukalova Fukalova, T.; García-Martínez, MD.; Raigón Jiménez, MD. (2021). Five undervalued edible species inherent to autumn-winter season: nutritional composition, ioactive constituents and volatiles profile. PeerJ. 9:1-23. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.12488123

Nutritional Composition, Bioactive Compounds, and Volatiles Profile Characterization of Two Edible Undervalued Plants: Portulaca oleracea L. and Porophyllum ruderale (Jacq.) Cass

[EN] Wild edible plants are an important source of healthy food and have played an important role in traditional Mediterranean diets. In this paper, quality characteristics were typified in Portulaca oleracea L. and Porophyllum ruderale (Jacq.) Cass, undervalued plants inherent to the spring-summer season in the Valencian coastal region. Nutritional composition and bioactive compounds were analyzed and compared between plants in wild and organic cultivation conditions. Proximate analysis was carried out according to Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods. Total antioxidants were measured as 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate and total polyphenols content via the Folin-Ciocalteu procedure. The HS-SPME technique was used to characterize the volatiles profile, and the polyphenol profile was evaluated by HPLC. The most important microelement was iron. Total antioxidants ranged from 4392.16 to 7315.00 mu mol Trolox center dot equivalents 100 g(-1) fw, and total phenolic content ranged from 99.09 to 391.18 mg gallic acid equivalents center dot 100 g(-1) fw. Results show that the content of antioxidants and phenols was higher in wild species than in cultivated ones. The volatiles profile revealed that P. ruderale was rich in monoterpenoids (48.65-55.82%), and fatty alcohols were characteristic in P. oleracea species (16.21-54.18%). The results suggest that both plants could be healthy foods and could have new sustainable agro-ecological potential for the local commercial sector.Fukalova Fukalova, T.; García-Martínez, MD.; Raigón Jiménez, MD. (2022). Nutritional Composition, Bioactive Compounds, and Volatiles Profile Characterization of Two Edible Undervalued Plants: Portulaca oleracea L. and Porophyllum ruderale (Jacq.) Cass. Plants. 11(3):1-21. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants1103037712111

Nutritional characterization of a traditional cultivar of tomato grown under organic conditions¿ cv. ¿Malacara¿

[EN] The loss of genetic diversity due to the replacement of local tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) varieties by improved cultivars has been mitigated in many cases by the good work of organic farmers in maintaining local agricultural biodiversity. In parallel to these initiatives, in recent years, consumers have developed an increasing awareness of both food-related health, environmental issues, and food demand to recover the flavors of the past. In the case of tomatoes, these attributes (nutritional, organoleptic, social, and environmental) are closely related to organic production using local varieties. "Malacara" tomato is an example of a local variety. Coming from Sierra de Cadiz, it is a varietal type called "Cuelga" ("for hanging," because the tomato trusses are hung from beams in the farmhouses). Cultivated and harvested in the open air during the summer months, these tomatoes are commercialized and consumed in the winter. Historically, this variety has enabled the fresh consumption of tomatoes during the winter, without the need to force cultivation. It is highly appreciated in the local cuisine and is the basis for sauces figuring in typical dishes. Its characteristic traits are small, pallid fruits, and long shelf life. The main objective of this work has been to typify two Malacara tomato cultivars (red and yellow color) grown under organic farming conditions, through the characterization of morphological, nutritional, and volatile parameters. The main differences are due to morphological parameters (fruit weight and color of the exocarp and endocarp). Other characteristics such as the content of ash, fiber, moisture, the concentration of iron, magnesium, and calcium, and content of lycopene are different between both cultivars. This study provides information on the nutritional and aromatic composition of two Malacara tomato cultivars, differentiated by their color and grown under organic farming conditions. The results add value to the native horticultural heritage and can aid in the selection of tomato varieties suitable for a sustainable production system and to produce tomatoes with high nutritional value and rich in aroma.Raigón Jiménez, MD.; García-Martínez, MD.; Chiriac, OP. (2022). Nutritional characterization of a traditional cultivar of tomato grown under organic conditions¿ cv. ¿Malacara¿. Frontiers in Nutrition. 8:1-13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.810812113

Assessment of techno-functional and sensory attributes of tiger nut fresh egg tagliatelle

[EN] This work aims to evaluate the effect of tiger nut flour -TNF- (rich in insoluble fiber, minerals and lipids of healthy fatty acid profile) incorporation on the techno-functional and sensory attributes of durum wheat fresh egg tagliatelle. Durum wheat semolina was replaced by 10, 20 and 30% (w/w) of TNF and the resultant tiger nut tagliatelles were compared to traditional pasta (100% durum semolina). The maximum substitution level was chosen in order to obtain tagliatelle with fair techno-functional properties and acceptable sensory quality. In addition, the 30% substitution level assures a product with more than 3% of fiber content. The cooking properties, texture, colour attributes, sensory profile and water uptake kinetics of tagliatelle were evaluated. The proximate chemical composition and particle size distribution of raw materials was assessed as well. The higher cooking loss, water absorption ratios and swelling indexes associated with higher substitution levels of TNF resulted in a darker and stickier product, with a lower firmness, hardness and cohesive structure. The overall acceptability of tiger nut pasta depends more on visual and textural characteristics than on taste. No significant changes on the initial water absorption rate during cooking were observed between the control and tiger nut pasta. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Authors would like to thank the Conselleria de Empresa, Universidad y Ciencia (Spain) for financial support throughout the project AICO/2016/056. Also, authors express sincere thanks to Harinas Villamayor S.A., Tigernuts Traders, S.L. and Avicola Llombai S.A. for providing raw materials for conducting this study.Albors, A.; Raigón Jiménez, MD.; García-Martínez, MD.; Martín-Esparza, M. (2016). Assessment of techno-functional and sensory attributes of tiger nut fresh egg tagliatelle. LWT - Food Science and Technology. 74:183-190. doi:10.1016/j.lwt.2016.07.047S1831907

Influencia de las condiciones de cultivo sobre la composición nutricional y componentes bioactivos de dos plantas alimenticias infravaloradas (Poriphyllum ruderale y Portulaca oleracea): Influência de condições de crescimento na composição nutricional e componentes bioactivos de duas plantas alimentares infravioladas (Poriphyllum ruderale y Portulaca oleracea)

Las plantas silvestres han recibido una atención considerable referiéndose a los aspectos etnobotánicos y farmacológicos. Sin embargo, el potencial de las plantas silvestres comestibles en término de sus beneficios nutricionales y bioactivos se ha investigado sólo en unos pocos casos, a pesar de ser una importante fuente de alimento. El presente estudio pretende ser un referente para promover la inclusión de dos plantas alimenticias infravaloradas como alternativa nutricional en dietas equilibradas y saludables. Se ha evaluado la composición nutricional y componentes bioactivos en Poriphyllum ruderale y Portulaca oleracea, en condiciones mediterráneas de crecimiento silvestre y cultivo ecológico. La cuantificación de nutrientes y compuestos bioactivos se realizó con hojas y tallos pequeños de planta fresca. La composición proximal y mineral se determinó con los métodos oficiales. El análisis de antioxidantes se realizó con la técnica de DPPH y los compuestos fenólicos totales por Folin-Ciocalteu. Se determinaron también otros componentes químicos como nitratos, pH y acidez total. Los componentes nutricionales más representativos fueron la fibra cruda y carbohidratos en condiciones silvestres para P. ruderale y en condiciones cultivadas para P. oleracea. Los macroelementos minerales con mayor abundancia fueron calcio y magnesio en P. ruderale cultivada y P. oleracea silvestre. Para ambas especies el microelemento destacado fue el hierro en condiciones silvestres. Ambas especies en condiciones silvestres destacaron por un alto contenido de antioxidantes y clorofila. Los resultados sugieren que ambas plantas tienen un considerable potencial nutritivo y alto contenido de compuestos bioactivos, además pueden diversificar la producción y un ingrediente atractivo en dietas saludables. &nbsp

The Effects of Low-Input (Wild and Organic Farming) Conditions on the Nutritional Profile of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. Fruits from the Valencian Mediterranean

[EN] Jujube fruit (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) has been a food source since ancient times. In Spain, it is considered a marginal crop, and jujube fruits are of low economic importance. Its consumption is bound to local marketplaces. However, jujube is a good alternative crop due to its climatic adaptation and low-input conditions. We aimed to evaluate the morphological, physicochemical, and bioactive compounds of jujube fruits grown under low-input conditions (wild and organic farming) in the Mediterranean basin, specifically in Marjal de los Moros, Valencia, Spain. The organic system produces higher protein, fiber, ash, and carbohydrate concentrations from small-caliber fruit cultivars. Potassium and phosphorus are the major mineral elements in jujube. The fruits¿ total polyphenols range from 480.83 to 630.81 mg EGA·100 g¿1 fw in organic conditions and 520.71 mg EGA·100 g¿1 fw in wild conditions. Low-input conditions influence the production of glucose (sweet fruits) and bioactive compounds, as well as mineral concentrations. A strong relationship exists between vitamin C levels and the potassium concentration. Jujube fruits are classified as ¿vitamin C-rich¿. A 20 g serving of fruit can provide the regular vitamin C requirements of an adult person. The environmental and nutritional opportunities offered by jujubes are in line with different SDGs.The authors thank Anna Pons, of the Environmental Education Center of the Valencian Community, for her direct collaboration, providing the materials used in this study, and for the center's great work in maintaining Mediterranean diversity. The authors would also like to thank Alba Agenjos for her previous work with jujube fruits.Fukalova-Fukalova, T.; García-Martínez, MD.; Esteve Ciudad, P.; Raigón Jiménez, MD. (2023). The Effects of Low-Input (Wild and Organic Farming) Conditions on the Nutritional Profile of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. Fruits from the Valencian Mediterranean. Sustainability. 15(19):1-17. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914587117151

Valoración sensorial de tomates valencianos de producción ecológica

[ES] La agricultura ecológica es un sistema productivo inocuo para el medio ambiente. Los sistemas de agricultura ecológica se basan en normas de producción concretas y precisas que tienen por objeto conseguir agroecosistemas que sean social y ecológicamente sostenibles. Se fundamenta en la reducción del uso de insumos externos, evitando el empleo de fertilizantes y plaguicidas sintéticos y potenciando el uso de variedades tradicionales. Contribuyendo a la revalorización de los saberes locales que suponen una herencia cultural considerable y a dar un paso hacia la recuperación de la autosuficiencia del agricultor en el uso de la semilla. A diferencia de las semillas comerciales, en la selección de las variedades locales han primado entre otros atributos, la calidad organoléptica, que los consumidores ecológicos valoran especialmente. El objetivo del estudio es evaluar en siete variedades de tomate valenciano, cultivados bajo agricultura ecológica, los parámetros de acidez total, sólidos solubles, densidad, pH del jugo y el índice de color y de sabor del fruto. Por otro lado, se realiza una valoración organoléptica de los atributos de olor, color, textura y sabor. Se toman como referencia los mismos criterios en un tomate híbrido, de alta aceptación, de semilla certificada ecológica. Existe una preferencia en cuanto a las tonalidades de tomates rojas y rosadas y hacia los calibres grandes. Los tomates mejor valorados por el olor han sido “Rosada de Castelló” y “Rossat Gran Xató”. En cuanto al color los mejores valorados han sido las variedades de tomate de “Cuelga” y “Rosada de Castelló”, respecto a la textura los tomates mejor valorados han sido la variedad “Masclet” y “Morado” y en cuanto al sabor las variedades más valoradas han sido “Rosada de Castelló” y “Masclet”.[EN] Organic agricultura is a productive system which is harmless for the environment Organic agricultura systems are based on specific and precise production rules that have as an objective being socially and ecologically sustainable. It is based on the reduction of external inputs, avoiding the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and favouring the use of traditional varieties. It also contributes to the enhancement of local knowledge, which represents a considerable cultural heritage, and to giving a step forward to the recovery of the self-sufficiency of farmers in the use of seed. Contrarily to commercial seed, in the selection of local varieties among other attributes has been prevailed organoleptic quality, which consumers of organic products especially value. The aim of the study is evaluating in seven Valencian tomato varieties, grown under organic conditions, the total acidity, soluble solids, density, juice pH and colour and flavour indexes. On the other hand, and organoleptic assessment of the aroma, colour, texture and flavour attributes is performed. As a control a tomato hybrid, of high acceptance, of certified organic seed is used. There has been a preference for tomatoes with red and pink tonalities and towards large sizes. The tomatoes best valued for the aroma have been “Rosada de Castelló” and “Rossat Gran Xató”. Concerning colour the best valued ones have been the tomato varieties “Cuelga” and “Rosada de Castelló”; regarding texture the best valued tomatoes have been those of the varieties “Masclet” and “Morado” and regarding flavor the most valued varieties have been “Rosada de Castelló” and “Masclet”.Raigón Jiménez, MD.; Monreal Carsi, RM. (2020). Valoración sensorial de tomates valencianos de producción ecológica. En I Congrés de la Tomaca Valenciana: La Tomaca Valenciana d'El Perelló. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 129-140. https://doi.org/10.4995/TOMAVAL2017.2017.6410OCS12914

Effect of Ripening and Growing Conditions on the Content in Ascorbic Acid in Paprika Landraces

[EN] Spain is one of the most important centres of diversity for Capsicum annuum peppers and the highest producer and exporter in Europe, and a plethora of ecotypes can be found throughout the country. Such genetic heritage offers the opportunity of selecting materials adapted to organic cultivation. In addition, ascorbic acid (AA) is a bioactive compound of paramount importance and therefore studies on the effect of organic cultivation on AA levels can provide an added value to those genotypes selected for organic cultivation. In this work C. annuum landraces were submitted to a comparative study (organic vs. conventional cultivation). Fruits from each accession and growing condition were sampled at both unripe and fully ripe stages and AA levels were estimated by potentiometric titration. Genotype (G), ripening stage (RS), growing conditions (GC), and G×GC and G×RS interactions contributed significantly to the observed variation. In addition, ripening increased AA in all accessions. Furthermore, the average AA content was higher in the organic plot at both unripe and fully ripe stages. In this way, most organic-produced accessions showed similar or higher values than those observed in the conventional plot. Finally, a significant genotype×growing conditions interaction was found for fully ripe stage, suggesting that there are ample opportunities for selecting vitamin C-rich paprika landraces adapted to organic cultivation.Ribes Moya, AM.; Fita Fernández, AM.; Raigón Jiménez, MD.; Rodríguez Burruezo, A. (2015). Effect of Ripening and Growing Conditions on the Content in Ascorbic Acid in Paprika Landraces. Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca : Horticulture. 72(2):470-471. doi:10.15835/buasvmcn-hort:1164647047172