Research article2016Peer reviewed
Moderate water stress prevents the postharvest decline of ascorbic acid in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) but not in spinach beet (Beta vulgaris L.)
Mogren, Lars; Beacham, Andrew M.; Reade, John; Monaghan, James
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Babyleaf salads such as spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) and spinach beet (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. cicla var. cicla) are an important dietary source of antioxidants such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Such compounds may be important in disease prevention in consumers but the level of these compounds in leaves frequently declines after harvest. As such, methods to maintain antioxidant levels in fresh produce are being sought.
RESULTS
Irrigation deficits were used to apply water stress to S. oleracea and B. vulgaris plants. This treatment prevented postharvest decline of leaf ascorbic acid content in S. oleracea but not in B. vulgaris. Ascorbic acid levels in leaves at harvest were unaffected by the treatment in both species compared to well-watered controls.
CONCLUSION
We have shown that restricted irrigation provides a viable means to maintain leaf vitamin content after harvest in S. oleracea, an important finding for producers, retailers and consumers alike.
Keywords
spinach; spinach beet; ascorbic acid; postharvest; water stress
Published in
Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
2016, Volume: 96, number: 9, pages: 2976-2980
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
UKÄ Subject classification
Horticulture
Food Science
Publication identifier
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.7464
Permanent link to this page (URI)
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/76412