Brassicaceae Microgreens: Phytochemical Compositions, Influences of Growing Practices, Postharvest Technology, Health, and Food Applications
Belay Dereje, Jean‐Christophe Jacquier, Caroline Elliott‐Kingston, Mary Harty, Niamh Harbourne
Abstract
Our planet is facing food scarcity due to a rapidly growing population. Hence, food production and sources must adapt to accommodate a growing population and a changing climate in addition to being produced year-round in a small space with minimal growing inputs. Brassicaceae microgreens (BM) have a short growth cycle and can quickly grow with minimum inputs in a small area year-round, which make them an ideal candidate to diversify global nutrition and adapt to global climate change and urbanization. There is a growing interest in incorporating BM into daily diets as a source of phytochemicals and other nutrients. The phytochemicals in BM possess various biological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory, which has piqued the interest of health-conscious consumers and researchers. Several growing conditions and postharvest practices have influenced the concentration of phytochemicals in BM. This review contains up-to-date information about the proximate compositions, phytochemicals contents, growing practices of BM, possible shelf life extending mechanisms, and their application in novel food product development and health benefits.