Growth temperature affects sensory quality and contents of glucosinolates, vitamin C and sugars in swede roots (Brassica napus L. ssp. rapifera Metzg.)

Food Chem. 2016 Apr 1:196:228-35. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.09.049. Epub 2015 Sep 14.

Abstract

Swede is a root vegetable grown under a range of growth conditions that may influence the product quality. The objective of this controlled climate study was to find the effect of growth temperature on sensory quality and the contents of glucosinolates, vitamin C and soluble sugars. High temperature (21 °C) enhanced the intensities of sensory attributes like pungent odour, bitterness, astringency and fibrousness, while low temperature (9 °C) was associated with acidic odour, sweet taste, crispiness and juiciness. Ten glucosinolates were quantified, with progoitrin as the dominant component followed by glucoberteroin, both with highest content at 21 °C. Vitamin C also had its highest content at 21 °C, while the total sugar content was lowest at this temperature. In conclusion, the study demonstrated clear effects of growth temperature on sensory quality and some chemical properties of swede and indicated a good eating quality of swedes grown at low temperatures.

Keywords: Aliphatic GLS; Ascorbic acid (PubChem CID: 54670067); Brassica napus L. ssp. rapifera Metzg.; Flavour; Glucoberteroin (PubChem CID: 9548726); Glucoerucin (PubChem CID: 656538); Gluconapoleiferin (PubChem CID: 9548635); Indolic GLS; Odour; Phytochemicals; Preharvest; Progoitrin (PubChem CID: 656566); Sucrose (PubChem CID: 5988); Taste; d-Fructose (PubChem CID: 5984); d-Glucose (PubChem CID: 5793).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ascorbic Acid / analysis*
  • Brassica napus / chemistry*
  • Brassica napus / growth & development
  • Carbohydrates / analysis*
  • Climate
  • Glucosinolates / analysis*
  • Plant Roots / chemistry*
  • Taste*
  • Temperature*
  • Vegetables / chemistry

Substances

  • Carbohydrates
  • Glucosinolates
  • Ascorbic Acid