Effects of domestic processing methods on the phytochemical content of watercress (Nasturtium officinale)

Giallourou, N., Oruna-Concha, M. J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7916-1592 and Harbourne, N. (2016) Effects of domestic processing methods on the phytochemical content of watercress (Nasturtium officinale). Food Chemistry, 212. pp. 411-419. ISSN 0308-8146 doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.05.190

Abstract/Summary

The impact of conventional cooking and processing methods on total phenols, antioxidant activity, carotenoids and glucosinolates of watercress was evaluated. Boiling significantly decreases phenolic content, antioxidant activity and recoverable glucosinolates, however it increases the carotenoid concentrations of watercress as compared to the raw vegetable. Cooking by microwaving and steaming maintains the majority of phytochemicals in comparison to the fresh material, suggesting that they should be used as the preferred methods of watercress preparation. Boiling of watercress should be avoided to ensure maximum ingestion of watercress-derived beneficial phytochemicals.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/65845
Identification Number/DOI	10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.05.190
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy > Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences > Human Nutrition Research Group Life Sciences > School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy > Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences > Food Research Group
Publisher	Elsevier
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