Germination, harvesting stage, antioxidant activity and consumer acceptance of ten microgreens

Microgreens which are tender immature seedlings of vegetables and herbs are known for their health beneficial effects. The concept of microgreens is generally less popular in many countries including Sri Lanka. Ten species were tested to obtain data on seed germination, height gain, leaf area expansion, and consumer acceptance. Of these, three species of which the seeds are commonly consumed in Sri Lanka were analyzed for antioxidant activities as seeds, sprouts, and microgreens. Seed germination of most of the species was>75% with the time taken to reach 75% germination (G75) varying from 1 to >14 days. A strong positive correlation between seedling and leaf area was observed (R2=0.8). Lettuce and carrot were found to be the most preferred microgreens followed by green peas, red amaranth and finger millet. For the three selected species where respective seeds, sprouts, and microgreens were compared, higher antioxidant activities were recorded in finger millet seeds and sesame microgreens; IC50 697 μg/mL and IC50 772 μg/mL respectively with the latter recording a high total phenol content (4873 mg/100g dry weight). Green pea microgreens showed higher total phenol content than its seeds and sprouts (1871 mg/100 g dry weight). The information generated will be of value to introduce microgreens to countries where consumers are unfamiliar with this product

Effect of Storage Temperature on Storage Life and Sensory Attributes of Packaged Mustard Microgreens

Short shelf life limits the commercial value of mustard microgreens. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different storage temperatures on postharvest quality and sensory attributes of mustard microgreens to identify the optimum storage temperature. Mustard microgreens were stored at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 °C in 150 µm polyethylene bags. Samples were drawn at 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, and 14 days and tested for changes in total chlorophyll content, tissue electrolyte leakage, weight loss, antioxidant activity, and sensory attributes. Storage temperature significantly (p < 0.05) affected the product quality, shelf life, and sensory quality. When stored at 5 °C, mustard microgreens showed no significant changes in antioxidant activity or tissue electrolyte leakage and minimal change in other parameters and maintained good overall sensory quality for 14 days. Samples stored at 10 and 15 °C retained good overall sensory quality for 4 and 2 days, respectively. When stored at 20 and 25 °C, microgreens deteriorated beyond consumption within one day. A storage temperature of 5 °C in 150 µm polythene bags can preserve high postharvest quality and sensory attributes for 14 days

Effect of Storage Temperature on Storage Life and Sensory Attributes of Packaged Mustard Microgreens

Short shelf life limits the commercial value of mustard microgreens. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different storage temperatures on postharvest quality and sensory attributes of mustard microgreens to identify the optimum storage temperature. Mustard microgreens were stored at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 &deg;C in 150 &micro;m polyethylene bags. Samples were drawn at 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, and 14 days and tested for changes in total chlorophyll content, tissue electrolyte leakage, weight loss, antioxidant activity, and sensory attributes. Storage temperature significantly (p &lt; 0.05) affected the product quality, shelf life, and sensory quality. When stored at 5 &deg;C, mustard microgreens showed no significant changes in antioxidant activity or tissue electrolyte leakage and minimal change in other parameters and maintained good overall sensory quality for 14 days. Samples stored at 10 and 15 &deg;C retained good overall sensory quality for 4 and 2 days, respectively. When stored at 20 and 25 &deg;C, microgreens deteriorated beyond consumption within one day. A storage temperature of 5 &deg;C in 150 &micro;m polythene bags can preserve high postharvest quality and sensory attributes for 14 days