Nutrient availability of selected leafy vegetables at micro green stage grown in vertical gardening

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.