W. B. Robinson

Assessment of nutritive value, quality, and stability of cruciferous vegetables during storage and subsequent to processing

Today the world is confronted with the need for additional food sources which should be easily available, cheap in cost, and high in nutritive value. This article is focused on these interests and critically reviews literature relating to cruciferous vegetables which are able to fulfill the needs. Among the horticultural considerations, the effects of variables such as cultivars, light intensity, growing season, climate and locations, soil fertility, and irrigation, on the nutritive value of these crops are examined. Statistical data from governmental and institutional studies are collected and analyzed to consider the production and performance aspects. Concerning the toxicological considerations, roles that the progoitrogenic thioglucosides play inside the body and the possible correlation between flavor and toxic components are elucidated. Emphasis has been placed on the effects of various handling, processing and storage processes on the nutritional retention of the product. Different processing metho...