期刊
AGRONOMY-BASEL
卷 13, 期 3, 页码 -出版社
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/agronomy13030709
关键词
Portulacaria afra; indigenous edible flora; sustainable food source; sustainable food system; underutilized food source; food security; resilient agriculture; dietary diversity; climate change-combating plants
The study investigated the potential of using the indigenous edible succulent plant spekboom as a sustainable and nutritious food source. The physicochemical and nutritional analyses showed that the fresh leaves had high acidity and ascorbic acid content, making them suitable for processing into preserved products. The study provided valuable information on the unexplored plant's potential in the food industry.
Wild-growing edible flora should be investigated to improve human food sustainability and security. Portulacaria afra (spekboom) is an undervalued edible succulent plant that thrives in harsh conditions in Southern Africa. This study determined whether the indigenous edible spekboom can be harnessed as a sustainable, nutritious food source and ingredient. Physicochemical and nutritional analyses were conducted on fresh and processed leaves (preserves, chutney, pickles, and spice). The physicochemical characteristics included morphology, color, texture, (degrees)Brix, pH, water activity, moisture content, titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid. Nutritional value determinants included crude protein, crude fiber, gross energy, and total fat content. The small, dark green fresh leaves had a soft texture and a very low sugar and fat content. Although the water content was high, water activity was low. The pH and titratable acidity showed high acidity. Leaves were high in ascorbic acid and low in protein, energy, insoluble fiber, and total fats. The leaves were successfully processed into preserved products providing possible applications in the food industry other than fresh leaves. The high acidity could be researched for application as a functional ingredient. This study provided basic information on an unexplored plant that may have potential in the food industry.
作者
我是这篇论文的作者
点击您的名字以认领此论文并将其添加到您的个人资料中。
推荐
暂无数据