Broccoli microgreens are packed with nutrients and health benefits. But did you know that the temperature at which they grow can change their nutrient levels and health-boosting properties? A study by Šola et al. (2024) explored how growing broccoli microgreens in low and high temperatures affected their phytochemical content—the special compounds that give these plants their nutrition and bioactivity. Let’s take a closer look at how temperature influences these tiny greens.
Why Temperature Matters
Plants, like broccoli microgreens, adapt to their environment. When the temperature changes, plants adjust their chemical makeup to survive. This includes their vitamins, antioxidants, proteins, and sugars. The study found that microgreens grown in both low temperatures (LT) and high temperatures (HT) showed changes in their phytochemical content, but the effects varied.
Key Findings of the Study:
- Phenolics and Tannins: These are antioxidants found in plants. LT increased the total phenolics and tannins in broccoli microgreens. HT, however, reduced the overall levels of these antioxidants. This suggests that broccoli microgreens grown in cooler environments might offer more antioxidant benefits.
- Glucosinolates: Broccoli microgreens are known for their glucosinolates, compounds linked to health benefits like cancer prevention. LT led to an increase in glucosinolates, while HT decreased their levels. Therefore, cooler growing temperatures might enhance these health-promoting compounds.
- Sugars: Soluble sugars in plants help them handle stress. Both LT and HT increased the levels of these sugars in the microgreens, but HT caused a much higher increase. This suggests that higher temperatures may cause more stress to the plants.
- Chlorophyll and Color: Chlorophyll gives plants their green color and is crucial for photosynthesis. Both LT and HT reduced chlorophyll levels, but HT had a more significant impact. Less chlorophyll might mean less vibrant greens and potentially fewer nutrients.
- Vitamin C and Other Compounds: The study showed that LT and HT influenced compounds like vitamin C and certain acids (sinapic and ferulic acids). For example, HT increased ferulic acid while LT increased sinapic acid, indicating that different temperatures might change the nutritional profile of the microgreens.
Impact on Health and Nutrition
Growing broccoli microgreens at different temperatures doesn’t just change their look; it also affects their health benefits. According to Šola et al., LT conditions result in more nutritious microgreens compared to HT. Microgreens grown in lower temperatures have higher antioxidants, glucosinolates, and potentially other health-promoting compounds. So, for those looking to maximize the nutritional benefits of broccoli microgreens, growing them in cooler conditions might be the way to go.
Implications for Growers and Consumers
If you’re a microgreens grower, consider the temperature conditions of your growing environment. LT might produce microgreens that are richer in nutrients and antioxidants. If you’re a consumer, knowing how your microgreens are grown can help you choose the most nutritious options.
At Dawn Farm, we pride ourselves on growing high-quality broccoli microgreens that are packed with nutrition. We constantly look for ways to optimize our growing practices to ensure our microgreens are as healthy as possible. Visit us at dawn.farm to learn more about our sustainable farming practices and how we bring fresh, nutritious greens to your table!