Comparison of phenolic acids in organically and conventionally grown pac choi (Brassica rapa L. chinensis)

BACKGROUND: Field and greenhouse studies were performed to investigate whether organic production methods influenced levels of phenolic acid compounds in pac choi (Brassica rapa L. chinensis cv. Mei Qing Choi) compared with conventional cultivation. RESULTS: In the field experiment, organic fertilisation (compost + fish emulsion) resulted in significantly higher phenolic concentrations compared with conventional fertilisation (NPK + CaNO₃) under both high tunnel and open field environments. Increased phenolics were accompanied by a significant reduction in plant fresh weight and dry weight, probably due to nitrogen deficiency. However, the elevated level of phenolics in organically grown pac choi could also have been due to confounding effects of nitrogen availability, insect attack and pesticide application. A follow‐up greenhouse experiment further demonstrated a significant increase in phenolic compounds and a reduction in yield with organic fertiliser (vermicompost + fish fertiliser) relative to conventional treatment (slow release inorganic fertiliser). Preventive insecticide application did not affect the phenolic levels in pac choi under either organic or conventional fertilisation. CONCLUSION: Given that higher phenolic content in pac choi was associated with low nitrogen availability and considerable yield reduction, research is needed to determine the extent to which phenolic compounds may differ in organic and conventional pac choi when nutrient levels are adjusted to produce comparable yields. Additional study is also warranted to determine the extent to which insect attack might contribute to elevated phenolic content in organic pac choi. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

苏南某市叶类蔬菜含氯有机农药残留状况分析及风险评估

目的了解苏南某市叶类蔬菜中含氯有机农药的残留状况及其质量安全现状。方法利用气相色谱法对采集自该市农贸市场、大型超市、种植基地及散户的6种主要叶类蔬菜中5种代表性的含氯有机农药(百菌清、三唑酮、氟氯氰菊酯、氯氰菊酯和氰戊菊酯)进行定量检测分析,采用食品安全指数开展暴露风险评估。结果 5种含氯有机农药在蔬菜样本中均有不同程度的检出,平均检出率为13.8%,百菌清、氯氰菊酯2种农药在部分蔬菜样本中的残留超标,超标率分别为0.4%和0.9%。6种叶类蔬菜的农药安全指数平均值均小于1,说明被检蔬菜的安全状态可为消费者所接受。但百菌清在菠菜和生菜中的安全指数均大于1,表明百菌清对菠菜和生菜质量安全的影响风险超过了可接受的限度。结论该地区主要叶类蔬菜的整体质量较安全,被检农药的残留状况总体良好,但对菠菜和生菜生产中百菌清的使用需加大监督管理力度,确保消费者食用蔬菜的安全性。     

Phytochemical phenolics in organically grown vegetables

Fruit and vegetable intake is inversely correlated with risks for several chronic diseases in humans. Phytochemicals, and in particular, phenolic compounds, present in plant foods may be partly responsible for these health benefits through a variety of mechanisms. Since environmental factors play a role in a plant's production of secondary metabolites, it was hypothesized that an organic agricultural production system would increase phenolic levels. Cultivars of leaf lettuce, collards, and pac choi were grown either on organically certified plots or on adjacent conventional plots. Nine prominent phenolic agents were quantified by HPLC, including phenolic acids (e. g. caffeic acid and gallic acid) and aglycone or glycoside flavonoids (e. g. apigenin, kaempferol, luteolin, and quercetin). Statistically, we did not find significant higher levels of phenolic agents in lettuce and collard samples grown organically. The total phenolic content of organic pac choi samples as measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, however, was significantly higher than conventional samples (p < 0.01), and seemed to be associated with a greater attack the plants in organic plots by flea beetles. These results indicated that although organic production method alone did not enhance biosynthesis of phytochemicals in lettuce and collards, the organic system provided an increased opportunity for insect attack, resulting in a higher level of total phenolic agents in pac choi.     

Nitrate in leafy vegetables,culinary herbs,and cucumber grown under cover in Estonia: content and intake

The content of nitrate in leafy vegetables, culinary herbs, and cucumber was determined during the years 2006–2008. All samples of Estonian origin, except white cabbage, were grown under cover. Seasonal differences in nitrate concentrations were observed in lettuce and spinach. Nitrate concentrations in lettuce were 22% and those in spinach were 24% higher in winter crops compared with samples collected in summer. The mean nitrate level was 3023 mg kg^–1 for fresh lettuce and 2337 mg kg^–1 for spinach. On average, 11.6% of fresh lettuce and spinach samples nitrate concentration exceeded the maximum level specified in European Commission Regulation No. 1881/2006. The mean levels were 999 mg kg^–1 for imported iceberg lettuce and 1287 mg kg^–1 for frozen spinach, which are below the maximum European Commission limits. Parsley, dill, basil, thyme, and rucola contained high concentrations of nitrate from mean levels of 2134 mg kg^–1 for parsley up to 8150 mg kg^–1 for rucola. Mean nitrate concentrations ranged from 382 to 1115 mg kg^–1 for white cabbage and Chinese cabbage, respectively. The per capita mean daily intake of nitrates related to the consumption of leafy vegetables, culinary herbs, and cucumber for the whole Estonian population was 31.3 mg day^–1, which comprised 14.2% of the acceptable daily intake (ADI).     

Antioxidant capacity of fresh‐cut vegetables exposed to ionizing radiation

The effect of ionizing radiation on antioxidant capacity, phenolic content and tissue browning of three vegetables was studied. Midrib and non‐midrib leaf tissues of Romaine and Iceberg lettuce and endive were irradiated with gamma‐rays at 0, 0.5, 1 and 2 kGy, and then stored at 7–8 °C for 8 days. Antioxidant capacity and phenolic content of tissues as well as tissue browning were analyzed at 1, 4 and 8 days of storage. In general, irradiation increased the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of both tissue types of all vegetables at day 4 and day 8. The rates of the increase were higher in midrib tissues than in non‐midribs, and increased with storage time. Irradiation, however, increased tissue browning of midrib tissues of Romaine and Iceberg lettuce. Our results suggest that irradiation increased nutritional quality of leafy vegetables, but some adverse visual quality changes were encountered. Published in 2005 for SCI by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Determination of Trimethylamine in Spinach,Cabbage, and Lettuce at Alkaline pH by Headspace Solid‐Phase Microextraction

Abstract: Trimethylamine (TMA) found in some leafy vegetables, such as spinach, cabbage, and lettuce, at alkaline pH was identified and quantified using headspace solid‐phase microextraction and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME and GC‐MS). HS‐SPME conditions were optimized at an adsorption temperature of 50 °C, equilibration time of 5 min, and adsorption time of 5 min with 65 μm of polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene fiber. The TMA that was formed from spinach, cabbage, and lettuce was assayed at pH 7 to 11 for 0 to 4 h at 50 °C using HS‐SPME. The results showed that the amount of TMA formed was dependent on pH. The amount of TMA formed increased dramatically at a pH greater than 9. TMA was not formed at a pH lower than 7. Spinach produced a higher amount of TMA than cabbage or lettuce. TMA was formed at alkaline pH from choline, betaine, and carnitine, which are TMA precursors. To confirm the SPME results, TMA was quantitated using the AOAC official method. Data obtained from chemical analysis were in good agreement with the SPME data. The formation mechanism of TMA is thought to be the Hofmann elimination reaction, which generates amine compounds at alkaline pH. Practical Application: Fishy off‐flavor in foods is associated with trimethylamine (TMA), which is frequently found in fish and seafood. In this study, TMA was identified for the first time in some leafy vegetables, such as spinach, cabbage, and lettuce, at alkaline pH. The presence of TMA in leafy vegetables under certain circumstances such as high pH and temperature may affect the sensory properties of foods containing these vegetables.     

不同氧分压和相对湿度气调冰箱对4种蔬菜保鲜效果的影响

为探究新型气调冰箱对蔬菜的保鲜效果,以普通冰箱作为对照,选取菠菜、生菜、黄瓜和蒜薹4种蔬菜分别置于气调冰箱和普通冰箱中冷藏,分析蔬菜在贮藏期间理化品质、酶活性的变化以及霉菌、酵母菌的繁殖情况。试验证明,气调冰箱叶菜失重率仅为8%～12%,黄瓜和蒜薹失重率低于5%,随着氧分压的降低,失重率降低。蔬菜在氧分压为15%、相对湿度为86%的A3气调冰箱贮藏12 d后,生菜可溶性固形物含量提高了14.41%,黄瓜可溶性固形物含量仅下降了21.28%。叶菜总酚含量增加,菠菜总酚提高了46.48%,生菜总酚提高了56.19%。A3冰箱内蔬菜细胞膜渗透率变化较小,生菜仅为18.65%。气调冰箱对蔬菜过氧化物酶（Peroxidase,POD）和多酚氧化酶（Polyphenol Oxidase,PPO）活性抑制作用增强,A3冰箱内蔬菜POD酶活性呈现先上升后下降趋势,显著低于其他贮藏条件。上述结果表明,供试三种气调冰箱中氧分压为15%,相对湿度为86%的A3气调冰箱对菠菜、生菜、黄瓜和蒜薹的保鲜效果最佳。研究结果为气调技术在冰箱保鲜中的应用提供理论指导。     

Determination of nitrates by a novel ion chromatographic method: occurrence in leafy vegetables (organic and conventional) and exposure assessment for Italian consumers

A novel ion chromatographic method to detect nitrates in vegetables was developed, and the nitrate contents in green salad (a mixture of endive and prickly lettuce), lettuce, chicory, rocket and spinach were determined from Italian markets in 1996 -2002. These leaf vegetables were included because they are currently supposed to provide most of the nitrate intake in the typical Italian diet. The highest content of nitrate was detected in chicory (6250 mg kg -1 ) and rocket (6120 mg kg -1 ), which are consumed in large quantities in some regions of Italy. Green salad and lettuce contained less nitrate (highest values = 4200 and 3300 mg kg -1 , respectively), but because they are consumed more generally, they provided 60% of the total intake of nitrates. Only a few samples were above the legal limits, with seasonal variation. A significantly higher nitrate content was found in organically grown green salad and rocket than in those conventionally produced. These data indicate that the average intake of nitrates from leafy vegetables is below the acceptable daily intake, i.e. 3.7 mg nitrate ion kg -1 body weight day -1 , but the total intake should be monitored to protect groups at risk, such as children and vegetarians.     

Natural essential oils as reducing agents of peroxidase activity in leafy vegetables

The effectiveness of natural essential oils eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), melisa (Melissa officinalis), roomer (Rosmarinus officinalis), clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and lemon (Citrus limonum) to reduce peroxidase activity of organic leafy vegetables extracts was evaluated. Three oil concentrations at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC, 2×MIC and 4×MIC) of each natural essential oils were used. Crude vegetable extracts of Swiss chard, spinach, lettuce, butter lettuce and cabbage were the source of peroxidase activity. The effectiveness of the essential oils as natural antioxidants varied with the enzyme sources. At the MIC, clove, rosemary, lemon, melisa and tea tree had the high antioxidant properties being clove more effective than the other oils.     

Consumer sensory analysis of organically and conventionally grown vegetables

ABSTRACT:  Consumers of organically grown fruits and vegetables often believe that these products taste better than conventional produce. However, comparison of produce from supermarket shelves does not permit adequate assessment of this consumer perception, given potentially confounding cultivar and environmental effects. We used replicated side-by-side plots to produce organic and conventional vegetables for consumer sensory studies. In one test, red loose leaf lettuce, spinach, arugula, and mustard greens, grown organically and conventionally, were evaluated for overall liking as well as for intensity of flavor and bitterness. Another consumer test was conducted comparing organically and conventionally grown tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Overall, organically and conventionally grown vegetables did not show significant differences in consumer liking or consumer-perceived sensory quality. The only exception was in tomatoes where the conventionally produced tomato was rated as having significantly stronger flavor than the organically produced tomato. However, overall liking was the same for both organic and conventional samples. As conventional tomatoes also were scored marginally significantly higher in ripeness and a positive correlation was found between ratings of flavor intensity and ripeness, the flavor difference observed could not be simply ascribed to the contrasting growing conditions. Consumer panelists in both tests considered organic produce to be healthier (72%) and more environmentally friendly (51%) than conventional produce, while 28% considered organic produce to have better taste. Covariance analysis indicated that consumer demographics affected sensory comparisons of organic and conventional lettuce and cucumbers. Future study is needed to substantiate the influence of segmentation of consumers on their preference for organic food.     

冷藏对蔬菜中亚硝酸盐及硝酸盐含量的影响

目的 探索冰箱冷藏(4℃)条件下蔬菜中硝酸盐和亚硝酸盐含量随时间的变化,对冷藏食品的安全性进行评价.方法 分别采用重氮偶合分光光度法和麝香草酚分光光度法对生菜、菠菜、油麦菜及苦苣4种常用蔬菜在冷藏条件下其亚硝酸盐及硝酸盐的含量变化进行测定.结果 1～4d内,生菜、苦苣中的亚硝酸盐含量随着时间的延长逐渐增加;菠菜、油麦菜中亚硝酸盐含量分别在第2天和第3天达到最大,之后逐渐降低,而菠菜中亚硝酸盐含量在第4天又出现上升趋势.4种蔬菜中亚硝酸盐含量4d中最大值仅为0.419 4 mg/kg(生菜),均＜4 mg/kg的限量值.苦苣和油麦菜中硝酸盐含量在1～4d内逐渐上升.菠菜中硝酸盐含量第2天达到418.48 mg/kg,之后又降低至20.83 mg/kg.生菜中硝酸盐含量在第3天达到最大值317.26 mg/kg,之后逐渐下降,但均在安全范围内(432 mg/kg).结论 在4℃下冷藏4d后,4种常见蔬菜均可安全食用.可见,冷藏能有效减缓亚硝酸盐和硝酸盐含量的升高.     

Antioxidant activity and profiles of common vegetables in Singapore

Sixty-six types of vegetables commonly consumed in Singapore were analysed for their hydrophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity (H-ORAC), total phenolic content (TPC), ascorbic acid (AA) and various lipophilic antioxidants. A single batch analysis of each vegetable showed that antioxidant composition and concentration varied widely across different vegetables. The vegetables with intense colours typically have high H-ORAC, TPC, AA, and carotenoid contents. Vegetables unique to the Asian market such as matrimony vine (Lycium chinense Miller), coriander, Chinese kale, water spinach and red chilli were consistently ranked high in H-ORAC, TPC, carotenoids and vitamin E levels. Based on consumption data, Chinese Singaporeans appear to have a higher intake of lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene, and tocopherols compared to the US population. Overall findings suggest that dark green leafy and brightly-coloured vegetables tend to contain high antioxidants. Our data are useful reference and substantiate many public health agencies’ recommendation to consume more vegetables, particularly the dark green leafy and brightly-coloured varieties.     

Quality of fresh‐cut baby spinach grown under a floating trays system as affected by nitrogen fertilisation and innovative packaging treatments

BACKGROUND: Alternative techniques for cultivation of leafy vegetables such as a floating tray system and unconventional gas mixtures for post‐harvest active modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) could be of interest in the minimally processed vegetable industry. RESULTS: The combined effect of three pre‐harvest fertilisation doses (8, 12 or 16 mmol N L^?1) and three post‐harvest MAP conditions (passive, super‐atmospheric or N₂O‐enriched) on the main quality attributes of fresh‐cut baby spinach leaves throughout 10 days at 5 °C was studied. After 8 days of shelf life, spinach leaves fertilised with 8 and 16 mmol N L^?1 and stored under N₂O‐enriched MAP showed the lowest microbial growth, with good sensory quality. Such combined treatments also preserved the total antioxidant capacity sampled at harvest (8 g ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity kg^?1 f.w.). A decrease of 10–20% in total vitamin C content regardless of N fertilisation and packaging treatment was found during shelf life. Total phenolics content at harvest was 2 g gallic acid equivalents kg^?1 f.w., which was slightly decreased or preserved during shelf life while total chlorophylls were preserved for all treatments assayed around 550 mg kg^?1 f.w. CONCLUSION: No clear effect of fertilisation doses was observed during post‐harvest storage on overall quality of fresh‐cut baby spinach leaves, while N₂O‐enriched atmospheres seems to be a promising alternative to passive MAP for extending shelf life. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

烹饪过程对空心菜和卷心菜硝酸盐潜在安全风险的影响

研究4种烹饪（油炒、汽蒸、微波和水煮）过程对空心菜和卷心菜中硝酸盐、亚硝酸盐和抗氧化能力的影响,并通过抗氧化性/体内亚硝酸盐比（antioxidant/in vivo nitrite ratio,A/N）值评价其硝酸盐潜在安全风险。结果表明,油炒会同时提升叶类蔬菜的硝酸盐含量（28.03%～49.57%）和铁离子还原能力（108.88%～218.35%）,而水煮则相反。微波和汽蒸在降低蔬菜硝酸盐含量（31.25%～46.61%）的同时提升铁离子还原能力（76.35%～112.99%）。基于可食用性和A/N值评价结果,在烹饪2 min内空心菜和卷心菜分别选择水煮和油炒烹饪对硝酸盐潜在安全风险的控制效果更好。微波是两种叶类蔬菜相对安全的烹饪方式,但不宜超过4 min,而汽蒸更适宜长时间烹饪（>4 min）。     

Pesticide residues in leafy vegetables,stalk and stem vegetables from South Korea: a long-term study on safety and health risk assessment

South Korea has a unique food culture. South Koreans enjoy wrapping meat and eating or making kimchi (traditionally fermented Korean food) and eating using raw leafy vegetables, stalk and stem vegetables. Therefore, there is a high chance of being exposed to pesticide residues of vegetables. The objective of this study was to investigate pesticide residues in leafy vegetables, stalk and stem vegetables from South Korea. A total of 8496 samples were mainly collected from Gwangju and Jeonnam area (the largest production region of leafy vegetables, stalk and stem vegetables) in South Korea from 2010 to 2014. A total of 230 pesticides were used for multi-residue analysis of pesticides. Among 8496 samples, 61 different pesticides (1029 times) were detected in 890 samples, of which 118 samples (1.4%) exceeded the Korea maximum residue limits (MRLs). Samples exceeding the MRLs were mostly found in leafy vegetables (brassica lee ssp. namai, leafy lettuce, spinach, perilla leaves, crown daisy, marsh mallow, aster scaber, pimpinella brachycarpa) and Chinese chive. Procymidone, dimethomorph and azoxystrobin were the most frequently found pesticides. A risk assessment of pesticides exceeding the MRLs was evaluated by calculating the estimated daily intake (EDI) and the acceptable daily intake (ADI). The ratio of EDI to ADI was 0.003–30.4%.     

Behavior of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in leafy vegetables

Leafy vegetables, including lettuce and spinach, have been implicated in several outbreaks of foodborne disease caused by Escherichia coli O157:H7, a pathogen of increasing public health significance because of the severity of the gastrointestinal illness and long-term, chronic sequelae that can result from infection. A definitive association between the consumption of leafy vegetables and human disease provides implicit evidence of transfer from animal sources to field crops and retail commodities, including minimally processed or fresh-cut products. Understanding the behavior of E. coli O157:H7 in leafy vegetables during production, after harvest, in storage, during processing, and in packaged fresh-cut products is essential for the development of effective control measures. To this end, previous research on the fate of the species at each step in the production of market-ready leafy vegetables is reviewed in this study. Several critical gaps in knowledge are identified, notably uncertainty about the location of contaminating cells on or in plant tissues, behavior in packaged products stored at low temperatures, and the influence of environmental stresses on growth and infectivity.     

Escherichia coli O157:H7 Biofilm Formation on Romaine Lettuce and Spinach Leaf Surfaces Reduces Efficacy of Irradiation and Sodium Hypochlorite Washes

Abstract: Escherichia coli O157:H7 contamination of leafy green vegetables is an ongoing concern for consumers. Biofilm-associated pathogens are relatively resistant to chemical treatments, but little is known about their response to irradiation. Leaves of Romaine lettuce and baby spinach were dip inoculated with E. coli O157:H7 and stored at 4 °C for various times (0, 24, 48, 72 h) to allow biofilms to form. After each time, leaves were treated with either a 3-min wash with a sodium hypochlorite solution (0, 300, or 600 ppm) or increasing doses of irradiation (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, or 1 kGy). Viable bacteria were recovered and enumerated. Chlorine washes were generally only moderately effective, and resulted in maximal reductions of 1.3 log CFU/g for baby spinach and 1.8 log CFU/g for Romaine. Increasing time in storage prior to chemical treatment had no effect on spinach, and had an inconsistent effect on 600 ppm applied to Romaine. Allowing time for formation of biofilm-like aggregations reduced the efficacy of irradiation. D₁₀ values (the dose required for a 1 log reduction) significantly increased with increasing storage time, up to 48 h postinoculation. From 0 h of storage, D₁₀ increased from 0.19 kGy to a maximum of 0.40 to 0.43 kGy for Romaine and 0.52 to 0.54 kGy for spinach. SEM showed developing biofilms on both types of leaves during storage. Bacterial colonization of the stomata was extensive on spinach, but not on Romaine. These results indicate that the protection of bacteria on the leaf surface by biofilm formation and stomatal colonization can reduce the antimicrobial efficacy of irradiation on leafy green vegetables. Practical Application: Before incorporating irradiation into the overall GMP/GHP chain, a packer or processor of leafy green vegetables must determine at what stage of processing and shipping the irradiation should take place. As a penetrating process, irradiation is best applied as a postpackaging intervention. Time in refrigerated storage between packaging and processing may alter the antimicrobial efficacy of irradiation. Irradiation on a commercial scale should include efforts to minimize the time delay between final packaging and irradiation of leafy vegetables.