Bromatological characterization and storage of edible flowers produced in an aeroponic system
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-21252026v3915413rcKeywords:
China Pink. Torenia. Begonia. Plant nutrition.Abstract
The consumption of edible flowers has increased in recent years because, in addition to their aesthetic appeal, they provide flavors and aromas that diversify gastronomy and have high nutritional potential. Aeroponics is a cultivation system that presents itself as a viable alternative to optimize agricultural production in urban centers, contributing to greater access and quality of the final product. This study aimed to evaluate the bromatological characteristics and storage time of three species of edible flowers produced using an aeroponic system. The experiment consisted of installing an aeroponic system in which the species China pink, Torenia, and Begonia were cultivated for 45 days in a completely randomized design with 14 repetitions. The flowers produced were collected and characterized in terms of pH, soluble solid content, proximate composition, and mineral profile. The storage period of flowers in plastic trays under refrigeration was also evaluated. The results suggest that the evaluated edible flower species present significant nutritional characteristics, in addition to the sensory characteristics of edible flowers. Refrigeration of the species in plastic trays ensured approximately 20 days of storage for China pink and Begonia and nine days for Torenia. Aeroponics allows the production of edible flowers with good nutritional quality and storage viability.
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