As population grows at an unprecedented rate, food system must be revised to provide adequate nutrition while minimizing environmental impacts. Current malnutrition statistics high and one needs attention is mineral malnutrition like iron. So the inclusion of nutrient and mineral dense microgreens in the diet will help to prevent diseases like anemia. However, the use of microgreens is increasing due to increased consumer demand for healthier food products. This study was carried out for nutritional profiling of microgreens such as wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) and basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum ) on a dry weight basis. Both wheatgrass and basil were grown in trays and harvested between the 8th and 21st days respectively subjected to shade drying and made into powders. These micogreen samples were examined for proximate composition, minerals and antioxidant properties. The Moisture, ash, protein, fat, crude fiber, carbohydrate, energy, iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin C, TPC, TFC, and TAA were 6.753% and 7.42%, 8.4% and 2.92%, 20.20g and 4.69g, 0.27g and 1.16g, 8.21g and 6.14g, 45.07g and 35.29g, 203.1 kcal and 179.6kcal, 62.42mg and 89.8mg, 660.2mg and 200.2 mg, 4.16 mg and 7.1mg, 18.82 mg and 0.80 mg, 8.53 and 9.10 mg GAE/g, 4.09 and 6.81 mg QE/g, 0.74 and 0.98 mg DPPH/g respectively for wheatgrass and basil microgreens.

Microgreens, Wheatgrass, Basil, Nutritional profile, Health food

Microgreens are gaining popularity in the market due to a change in lifestyle patterns and health consciousness among consumers today. The antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in microgreens promote good health. Microgreens have more nutrients compared to GLV. Microgreens such as wheatgrass and basil were found to be the most nutrient-dense. Nutritional profiling of microgreens reported in this study would be helpful to guide consumers in their dietary choices. The information from this study can be used by Food engineers, Food processors, and Food scientists. As microgreens become more popular on supermarket shelves, it would also assist producers in promoting nutrient-dense microgreens.

Ch. Soumya, G. Priya Sugandhi, K. Aparna and V. Ravinder Naik (2022). Nutritional Profiling of Microgreens. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 14(3): 1617-1621.