Nutrient availability of selected leafy vegetables at micro green stage grown in vertical gardening
Kusumitha VN, V Rajasree, R Swarnapriya, D. Uma, P. Meenakshi
Abstract
Nutritional composition of some selected leafy vegetables grown in vertical gardening namely Anethum graveolens (Dill), Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek), Amaranth spp (Green Amaranth), Amaranth cruentus (Red Amaranth) and Spinacia oleracea (Spinach) at their micro green stage were analyzed. The Vitamin C content of the samples ranged from 14.66 to 80mg/100g, Vitamin A was in the range of 0.63-0.66μg/g and Total Carotenoid content varied from 13.67-24.93mg/100g whereas Beta carotene was present in between 2.25-11.94mg/100g. Mineral element analysis showed that the micro greens had moderate level of Calcium (48.60mg/100g-81.50mg/100g), appreciable amount of Iron content in the range of 1.19-4.10mg/100g and little amount of Phosphorous (0.018-0.060%). Carbohydrate content was present in the range of 1.06 and 2.63 g/100g, Protein presence among selected micro green showed variation between 1.26-3.1g/100g. Crude fibre content varied between 14.2-27.88% whereas total phenols was showing difference in values between 58.32- 84.74mg/100g. These results revealed that micro greens contain moderate amount of nutritional composition and can be included in daily diet to meet individuals RDA needed by the body.