ISHS Acta Horticulturae 983: VIII International Symposium on Artichoke, Cardoon and their Wild Relatives
MORPHOLOGICAL, NUTRACEUTICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF GLOBE ARTICHOKE (CYNARA CARDUNCULUS L. VAR. SCOLYMUS (L.) FIORI) LANDRACES TYPICALLY CULTIVATED IN MARCHE AREA |
| Authors: | R. Cappelletti, B. Mezzetti, F. Balducci, J. Diamanti, F. Capocasa |
| Keywords: | landraces, soluble solids, total antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, nutritional quality |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.2013.983.3 |
| Abstract:
Globe artichoke is a very well known as edible vegetable and it is largely used in the Mediterranean diet both for its peculiar sensorial aspects and for health promoting effects. In fact the edible part (receptacle and inner bracts) of globe artichoke head represents a good source of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, inulin, fibre and minerals. Nowadays, local germplasm is at real risk of genetic erosion due to the recent introduction of cultivars selected for high yield. However, autochthonous types may be extremely important for their adaptability, nutritional and sensorial values. The aim of this work was to identify and characterize three artichoke landraces (‘Montelupone A’, ‘Precoce di Jesi’ and ‘Violetto di Pesaro’) typically cultivated in different districts of Marche area (central Italy). The evaluations were conducted by comparing the landraces with a commercial cultivar (‘Romanesco Clone C3’) which is widely cultivated in Italy. Morphological (fresh weight, length/diameter ratio and color of outer bracts), chemical (soluble solids content, titratable acidity), and nutraceutical (total antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content) evaluations were carried out to study the role of this vegetable as functional food and source of bioactive substances. The artichoke landraces showed a high variability in their chemical and nutritional quality, among them ‘Violetto di Pesaro’ was of particular interest due to its highest chemical and nutritional values. | |
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