Influência das condições de cultivo na qualidade nutricional de microverdes de rúcula (Eruca sativa)

Abstract

The increasing demand for foods that promote health and well-being has driven the production of microgreens, especially in urban agriculture and controlled environment systems. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the influence of different cultivation conditions on the nutritional quality of arugula (Eruca sativa) microgreens. Three light-emitting diode (LED) sources were used: white light (WL), daylight (DL), and red and blue light (RBL), combined with two cultivation methods: commercial substrate Carolina Soil (CS) and phenolic foam (PF). Analyses included total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, antioxidant activity (DPPH method), total carotenoids, vitamin C, fixed mineral content, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids (°Brix), water activity (Aw), and moisture. The results showed significant differences among treatments (p ≤ 0.05), demonstrating the influence of cultivation conditions on nutritional composition. Cultivation in phenolic foam under red and blue light resulted in higher levels of total flavonoids, antioxidant activity, total carotenoids, and soluble solids, as well as elevated values of total phenolic compounds and vitamin C. The treatment under daylight, also in phenolic foam, showed the highest levels of total phenolic compounds, vitamin C, and titratable acidity. In contrast, cultivation in commercial substrate under white light presented higher fixed mineral content and moisture. It can be concluded that cultivation in phenolic foam under red and blue light, in a controlled environment, has greater potential for producing arugula microgreens with high nutritional and functional value, representing a promising alternative for sustainable production systems.