Differences in nutrient composition of sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum) grown in different habitats and optimally controlled growing conditions

Crithmum maritimum L. is an edible halophyte with large potential in human nutrition field. However, it is unclear whether its nutritional value is maintained throughout the contrasting habitats where it commonly grows (cliffs, sandy and rocky beaches) and the nutritional profile of cultivated plants still remains uncertain. In this work, we provided for the first time a comparison of the nutritional profile of C. maritimum across its different type of habitats in the south of Spain and between wild plants and plant material under optimal growing conditions. The protein, amino acids, lipids, fatty acids, minerals composition and phenolic content of plants were analysed. Plants under field conditions exhibited a nutritionally balanced composition (3.8-6.2 g protein/100 g DW, 4.9-7.5 mg lipids/g WW, 3.9-5.0 g Na/100 g DW), with high phenolic content (30.2-48.0 mg/g DW) regardless of the variability of the contrasting habitats. In contrast, under optimal conditions, C. maritimum showed a greater protein and lipid content (10.2 g/100 g DW and 9.6 mg/g WW, respectively), and lower sodium accumulation (1.2 g/100 g DW), allowing a greater consumption of this halophyte without exceeding the daily intake recommendations. Conversely, phenolics were strongly decreased in these plants (6.1 mg/g DW) likely due to the absence of stress factors.

Automated summary

This study compared the nutritional profile of Crithmum maritimum in different habitats in southern Spain and under optimal growing conditions. The results showed that plants in field conditions had a nutritionally balanced composition with high phenolic content, regardless of the habitat variability. In contrast, plants under optimal conditions had higher protein and lipid content, lower sodium accumulation, but significantly decreased phenolic content.