The Catalogna chicory (Cichorium intybus L., Catalogna group) is an Italian typical vegetable; Molfettese and Galatina are Apulian landraces consumed for their tender stems (turions or "puntarelle"). Bitterness is an important organoleptic trait, which directs both consumer and breeding choices and is linked to the content of sesquiterpene lactones (STLs). Major STLs (lactucin, 8-deoxylactucin, lactucopicrin) and respective dihydro-derivatives (1,3-dihydrolactucin, 11(s),13-dihydro-8-deoxylactucin, 11(s),13-dihydrolactucopicrin) were quantified in turions of the two landraces (HPLC). Regardless of the cultivation sites, the content of 1,3-dihydrolactucin and 11(s),13-dihydro-8-deoxylactucin was significantly higher in Molfettese than Galatina. consistently with the more bitter taste of the former. The Galatina reference transcriptome contained 79,716 unigenes and 75 mapped into the sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid (S&T) biosynthesis pathway (KEGG). In order to survey gene transcriptional variations and polymorphism data, the RNA-seq of Molfettese and Galatina stem transcriptomes was performed. Over two thousand differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were scored between the two genotypes independently of the cultivation zone. KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that four DEGs were up-regulated in Molfettese compared to Galatina within the S&T biosynthesis map. Specifically, the expression of the germacrene A-synthase and -oxidase genes of the Costulonide (a key STL precursor) branch was directly correlated with the contents of 1,3-dihydrolactucin and 11(s),13-dihydro-8-deoxylactucin. The sequences of these genes showed several polymorphic events (SNPs) between the two genotypes and together with the transcriptional divergences represent potential markers for assisted breeding.

The aim was to evaluate morpho-biochemical traits in four asparagus cultivars ('Early California', 'Grande', 'Purple Passion', and 'Vegalim'), and qualitative changes in 'Grande' and 'Purple Passion' during storage in air or passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP, 15% O2 - 5% CO2), at 4 °C for 28 days. 'Early California' showed the highest total phenolic (TPh) and quercetin-3-rutinoside (rutin) content, and the highest total antioxidant activity (TAA). 'Purple Passion' was the richest in glucose and total sugars, while 'Early California' the least rich in sucrose. The nitrate content was lower than 100 mg kg-1 FM and potassium on average 280 mg 100 g-1 FM. The MAP reduced weight loss, ensuring product turgidity and mitigating the cold storage stress. In the first 7 days in storage, 'Purple Passion' showed higher values of TPh, rutin and TAA. Afterwards, TPh content increased in both cultivars in MAP. During storage, sugars gradually decreased, except sucrose in 'Purple Passion', increased by almost 40% after 14 days. 'Grande' and 'Purple Passion' spears showed optimal overall quality up to 14 days-storage, but they could not be stored for more than 21 days. Moreover, MAP allowed to preserve or enhance antioxidant properties of asparagus during the whole storage.

Puglia region is particularly rich in agro-biodiversity, representing an example of how local vegetables varieties can still strongly interact with modern horticulture. Unfortunately, the genetic diversity of vegetable crops in this region has been eroded, due to several factors such as abandonment of rural areas, ageing of the farming population, and failure to pass information down the generations. This article summarizes the objectives, methodological approach and results of the project Biodiversity of the Puglia's vegetable crops (BiodiverSO), an integrated project funded by Puglia Region Administration under the 2007-2013 and 2014-2020 Rural Development Program (RDP). Results were reported for each of the eight activities of the project. Moreover, the Polignano carrot (a local variety of Daucus carota L.) was described as a case study, since several tasks have been performed within all eight project activities with the aim of verifying the effectiveness of these actions in terms of safeguarding for this genetic resource strongly linked with local traditions. BiodiverSO is an example of protection and recovery of vegetables at risk of genetic erosion that could help to identify and valorize much of the Puglia's plant germplasm.

Introduction. A healthy and balanced diet prevents the occurrence of many age-related diseases. On the basis of this claim, new types of food, defined novel foods, such as potato selenium, carrot, onion, tomato iodine, have been developed.Objectives. Considering the biological activities induced by silicon (antioxidant activity, increased mineralization of bone, development of connective tissue), the aim of this study was to obtain different silicon biofortificated vegetables (Tatsoi, Mizuna, Portulaca, Bietola and Cicoria) used as mix for the IV gamma product (ready to use), in order to have an useful food for post-menopausal women. In addition, the assessment of bioaccessibility of crops, by in vitro gastro-digestion process, and antioxidant activity on human intestinal cell line, were carried out.Methodology. For the biofortified plants production, a soilless system able to monitoring the effective absorption of the silicon was used. The plants were digested using the protocol described by Ferruzzi et al., (2001) in order assess the bioaccessibility. The antioxidant activity of digesta samples was evaluated on Caco-2 cell line using DCFH-DA probe.Results and conclusions. No modifications on the production and/or quality of the plant were found. A species-related accumulation of silicon was recorded with an mean value of 130 mg/kg fresh weight respect to average value blank of 22 mg/Kg. In addition, the silicon was bioaccessible in a range from 36 to 75% in relation to vegetable species studied. The biofortification significantly (p<0.001) improved the antioxidant activity induced by crops.

La Carota di Polignano (CdP - Daucus carota L.) è una varietà locale coltivata nella provincia di Bari, inserita nel 2015 nell'elenco nazionale dei Prodotti Agroalimentari Tradizionali. Si caratterizza per la moltitudine dei colori della radice (dal giallo al viola) per l'elevato contenuto di antiossidanti e l'equilibrata composizione zuccherina. Lo iodio è un micronutriente essenziale per l'uomo, essendo il componente fondamentale degli ormoni tiroidei, che regolano la crescita e lo sviluppo dell'organismo. La principale fonte di assunzione di iodio è rappresentata dalla dieta, ma la sua concentrazione negli ortaggi è, generalmente, limitata rispetto ai fabbisogni umani. La principale forma di integrazione dello iodio nell'organismo umano è il sale da cucina iodato e/o iodurato, ma vari studi hanno dimostrato la relazione tra l'eccessiva assunzione di sale e l'insorgenza di malattie cardiovascolari. Una prova sperimentale è stata condotta a Polignano a Mare (BA), utilizzando un disegno sperimentale completamente randomizzato con tre ripetizioni. Sono stati utilizzati tre livelli di iodio distribuito in concimazione fogliare: 0 (nessuna aggiunta); CF-B (concentrazione di iodio pari a 0,005%); CF-A (concentrazione di iodio pari a 0,05%), effettuando quattro trattamenti a distanza di quindici giorni. Il trattamento CF-A ha prodotto un arricchimento pari al doppio ed al triplo rispetto a CF-B ed al controllo, rispettivamente, senza differenze significative su parametri biometrici quali il peso fresco e secco delle radici e la percentuale di sostanza secca. Le concentrazioni di iodio raggiunte nelle carote con la biofortificazione consentirebbero di soddisfare la dose giornaliera raccomandata consumando 100 e 200 g di prodotto fresco per il trattamento CF-A e CF-B, rispettivamente.

La cicoria catalogna (Cichorium intybus L., gruppo catalogna), indicata anche come cicoria"asparago" o "puntarelle", è un prodotto agroalimentare tradizionale pugliese. Popolazionisimili si trovano anche nel Lazio ("Cicoria di catalogna frastagliata di Gaeta") e in Veneto("Cicoria Catalogna Gigante di Chioggia"). Si tratta di popolazioni locali, di diffusione moltolimitata, il cui consumo riguarda ambiti regionali circoscritti, come ortaggio crudo o ininsalata con olio, aglio e acciughe (nella più famosa versione laziale) o cotto. Le popolazionicoltivate in Puglia rientrano nei due principali raggruppamenti della Catalogna puntarelle diMolfetta e Catalogna puntarelle di Galatina. La coltura, invernale, prevede un ciclo piuttostolungo che dalla semina (o trapianto) alla raccolta interessa un periodo fino a nove mesi, conraccolte che iniziano a novembre e terminano a fine aprile. Il lungo periodo colturale èassicurato da trapianti scalari, maturazione scalare (all'interno della stesso appezzamento) edall'impiego in successione della popolazione Molfettese (più rustica e resistente al freddo)seguita dalla Galatina (più sensibile al freddo, per la consistenza più croccante e tenera deigermogli). Le due popolazioni sono state valutate e descritte dal punto di vista morfologico edagronomico, in rapporto alle caratteristiche produttive e alla qualità del prodotto edule.L'impiego di descrittori e la caratterizzazione alla raccolta del prodotto edule hannoconsentito di evidenziare le differenze tra le due popolazioni. La caratterizzazioneorganolettica e nutrizionale dei prodotti eduli sarà effettuata nell'ambito del progetto diricerca del CNR "Identità, tracciabilità e valorizzazione di indivia, scarola e puntarelle(Cichorium spp.) del Lazio e della Puglia mediante tecnologie 'olistiche' e funzionali pertratti di interesse nutrizionale ed economico". In questo progetto si stanno studiando icontenuti di diverse sostanze di rilevanza nutrizionale (inulina, brassinosteroidi, sesquiterpeni,fitine e fitochelatine, citochinine, nonché metalli pesanti e nitrati). L'obiettivo generaledell'attività è quello di valorizzare e promuovere il consumo di questa specie orticola.

In this study, carrot jams were developed using either precooked vegetable (common method) or short cooking times (mild method). Jams were prepared using four carrot types: a commercial one and three local landraces (orange, purple and yellow). The parameters assessed were total phenols, antioxidant activity, beta-carotene, potassium content, color and sensory evaluation. Mild method caused lower color differences than common method, when comparing the jams to raw carrots. Antioxidant activity, total phenols and potassium content loss were also lower in mild method. Both methods improved beta-carotene retention in jams. Following sensory analysis, products obtained by mild method showed the best scores for taste and overall acceptability, with the highest scores being registered for purple jam. In particular, high correlations between antioxidant activity, total phenols and purple products (both raw products and jams) were emphasized by principal component analysis. In conclusion, the mild method described in this paper helps to preserve the overall quality of perishable vegetables, such as local carrots. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In the Puglia region, a multicolor landrace called the yellow-purple Polignano carrot has been cultivated since 1940 by local smallholder farmers and has been added to the Slow Food list of traditional products. Composition analyses of these carrots were carried out including carbohydrate assay, inorganic cations, nitrate content, and dry weight of each colour. Besides, antioxidant activity, ?-carotene, total phenols and carotenoid content on the full carrots and on the cortex and inner core separated tissues were determined. The same analyses were performed on a commercial carrot cultivar. On average, total glucose, fructose, and saccharose content was 22% lower in the yellow-purple Polignano carrot than in the commercial one. In addition, the highest contributor to the relative sweetness in the yellow-purple Polignano carrot was fructose (43.5%), which affects its well-known taste, as well as its glycemic index. As for the nutritional parameters, purple carrots showed the highest content in antioxidant activity, total phenols, carotenoids and ?-carotene, mainly detected in the cortex.

Crenate broomrape is a parasitic plant, which can cause serious damage to the production of legume crops in much of the Mediterranean basin. However, some authors have reported its use as a food or in folk medicine, but the only information available on crenate broomrape potential as a valuable resource for human nutrition and not just as a pest is scarce and fragmented. This note contains some biological, historical, ethnobotanical and gastronomical knowledge, as well as describing the nutritional traits of O. crenata, with the aim of evaluating whether this species has potential as a fresh or processed food product. Current knowledge suggests that crenate broomrape could be a refined food with interesting nutritional traits (i.e. high fibre content, good antioxidant capacity and presence of polyphenols such as verbascoside). Nevertheless, some aspects of O. crenata need to be better understood, such as its detailed nutritional composition or post-harvest strategies for preserving its quality and boosting consumer demand. Therefore, further research should be carried out in order to characterize this vegetable resource with a view to commercial exploitation.

Sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.), an emerging halophyte species, represents a nutritiousand refined food product. In this study, the effect on yield and quality of potted sea fennelgrown on three posidonia (Podisonia oceanica (L.) Delile)-based composts (a municipal organic solidwaste compost, a sewage sludge compost and a green compost) and a peat-based substrate wasanalyzed. Composts were used both pure and mixed with peat at a dose of 50% on a volumebasis. We hypothesized that the halophytic nature of this plant might overcome the limitations ofhigh-salinity compost-based growing media. The growth parameters, color traits and trace metalscontent (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) of the edible parts were compared. Independently ofthe substrates, the average total and edible yields were 51 and 30 g plant?1, respectively, while theaverage waste portion was about 41%. The use of posidonia-based compost did not affect the colortraits of sea fennel plants as compared with samples grown on the commercial peat-based substrate.In general, potted sea fennel grown on both posidonia-based composts and commercial peat-basedsubstrate appeared a good source of essential micronutrients. Only a weak reduction of Fe and Mnconcentrations was observed in plants grown on posidonia-based composts, especially when used atthe highest dose. Independently of the growing medium, the content of potentially hazardous traceelements (Cd and Pb) in the edible parts of sea fennel was always below the maximum admissiblelimits fixed by the European legislation. Results indicate that posidonia-based composts can be usedas a sustainable peat substitute for the formulation of soilless mixtures to grow potted sea fennelplants, even up to a complete peat replacement.

Thirteen elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cr, Co, Cd, Ni and Pb) in 11 different wild edible plants (WEP) (Amaranthus retroflexus, Foeniculum vulgare, Cichorium intybus, Glebionis coronaria, Sonchus spp., Borago officinalis, Diplotaxis tenuifolia, Sinapis arvensis, Papaver rhoeas, Plantago lagopus and Portulaca oleracea) collected from countryside and urban areas of Bari (Italy) were determined. B. officinalis and P. rhoeas could represent good nutritional sources of Mn and Fe, respectively, as well as A. retroflexus and S.arvensis for Ca. High intake of Pb and Cd could come from P. lagopus and A. retroflexus (1.40 and 0.13 mg kg1 FW, respectively). WEP may give a substantial contribution to the elements intake for consumers, but in some cases they may supply high level of elements potentially toxic for human health. Anyway, both ANOVA and PCA analyses have highlighted the low influence of the harvesting site on the elements content.

Food plants biofortification for micronutrients is a tool for the nutritional value improvement of food. Soilless cultivation systems, with the optimal control of plant nutrition, represent a potential effective technique to increase the beneficial element content in plant tissues. Silicon (Si), which proper intake is recently recommended for its beneficial effects on bone health, presents good absorption in intestinal tract from green bean, a high-value vegetable crop. In this study we aimed to obtain Si biofortified green bean pods by using a Si-enriched nutrient solution in soilless system conditions, and to assess the influence of boiling and steaming cooking methods on Si content, color parameters and Si bioaccessibility (by using an in vitro digestion process) of pods. The Si concentration of pods was almost tripled as a result of the biofortification process, while the overall crop performance was not negatively influenced. The Si content of biofortified pods was higher than unbiofortified also after cooking, despite the cooking method used. Silicon bioaccessibility in cooked pods was more than tripled as a result of biofortification, while the process did not affect the visual quality of the product. Our results demonstrated that soilless cultivation can be successfully used for green bean Si biofortification.

Chicories produce a wide range of vegetables with important nutritional value. We determined the variation of sterol, total polyphenol, nitrate contents and antioxidant capacity (SC, TPC, NC, AC) in endive leaves and stem-chicory novel vegetables, cultivated in two Italian regions. Within a given area, the SC was similar in smooth- and curly leafed endives (106.3-176.0 mg/kg FW); sitosterol and stigmasterol were major fractions (45-56 versus 38-43%). The stem SC was independent of landrace (101.5-118.6 mg/kg FW); sitosterol prevailed on stigmasterol and fucosterol (73-76 versus 12-14% versus 8-9%); the latter reached 15.7 mg/kg FW, conferring value as potential antidiabetes food. The planting site affected the AC and TPC of endives (893.1-1571.4 ?mTE/100 g FW, 30.8-76.1 GAE100/g FW) and chicory stems (729.8-1152.5 ?mTE/100 g FW; 56.2-124.4 GAE100/g FW), while the NC was recurrently below dangerous thresholds. PCA showed that environment was the major cause of variation, though it modestly affected these parameters.

The 'Catalogna' chicory ( Cichorium intybus L.) is a typical Italian vegetable cultivated for leaves and stems ('puntarelle'); these latter are novel foods, consumed as fresh or processed, and rapidly moving to global markets. The holistic characterization of stems was carried - out by combining NMR metabolic and RNAseq profiling of 'Galatina' (Gal) and 'Molfettese' (Mol) landraces, grown in Apulia and Lazio, in order to investigat e on the nutritional quality and performance in ex situ cultivation. The content variation of thirty - two compounds was affected by the genotype (G), environment (E) and GxE interaction; PCA explained over 90% of variation, and PC1 and PC2 components neatly discriminated Gal vs Mol based on growth sites and genotypes, respectively. Focusing on carbohydrates and amino acids, the total amount of the former was higher in Gal than Mol in both areas (consistently with predicted sweetness and sensory test), whilst the opposite trend occurred for total amino acid content. The Mol vs Gal gene differential transcription was performed based on a Gal reference transcriptome ; G, E, and GxE effects were found and KEGG analysis showed the enrichment of differentially expre ssed genes within the sucrose and phenylalanine metabolisms, consistently with the metabolic profile variations. Pearson's correlation analyses of gene expression vs metabolite amount variations allowed the selection of gene sets that could explain sugar a nd amino acid content differences between Gal and Mol stems. Overall, these analyses widened knowledge on the pathways that influence nutritive quality traits and pointed at target genes useful for plant breeding.

Stem-chicory of the "Catalogna" group is a vegetable consumed for bitter-flavored stems. Type and levels of bitter sesquiterpene lactones (STLs) participate in conferring bitterness in vegetables. The content of lactucin--and lactucopocrin-like STLs was higher in "Molfettese" than "Galatina" landrace stalks, regardless of the cultivation sites, consistently with bitterness scores and gustative differences. The "Galatina" transcriptome assembly resulted in 58,872 unigenes, 77% of which were annotated, paving the way to molecular investigation of the STL pathway. Comparative transcriptome analysis allowed the identification of 69,352 SNPs and of 1640 differentially expressed genes that maintained the pattern independently of the site. Enrichment analyses revealed that 4 out of 29 unigenes were up-regulated in "Molfettese" vs "Galatina" within the sesquiterpenoid pathway. The expression of two germacrene A -synthase (GAS) and one -oxidase (GAO) genes of the costunolide branch correlated positively with the contents of lactucin-like molecules, supporting that STL biosynthesis regulation occurs at the transcriptional level. Finally, 46 genes encoding transcription factors (TFs) maintained a differential expression pattern between the two varieties regardless of the growth site; correlation analyses among TFs, GAS, GAO gene expressions and STLs contents suggest that one MYB and one bHLH may act in the pathway.

The use of iodine-biofortified vegetables may be a health alternative instead of iodine-biofortified salt for preventing iodine (I) deficiency and related human disorders. In this study, four Brassica genotypes (broccoli raab, curly kale, mizuna, red mustard) were hydroponically grown with three I-IO3- rates (0, 0.75 and 1.5 mg/L) to produce iodine-biofortified vegetables. Crop performances and quality traits were analyzed; iodine content was measured on raw, boiled, and steamed vegetables. The highest I rate generally increased I content in all Brassica genotypes, without plants toxicity effects in terms of reduced growth or morphological symptoms. After 21 day-iodine biofortification, the highest I content (49.5 µg/100 g Fresh Weight (FW)) was reached in broccoli raab shoots, while after 43 day-iodine biofortification, genotype differences were flattened and the highest I content (66 µg/100 g FW, on average) was obtained using 1.5 mg I-IO3/L. Nitrate content (ranging from 1800 to 4575 mg/kg FW) was generally higher with 0.75 mg I-IO3/L, although it depended on genotypes. Generally, boiling reduced iodine content, while steaming increased or left it unchanged, depending on genotypes. Applying low levels of I proved to be suitable, since it could contribute to the partial intake of the recommended dose of 150 µg/day: A serving size of 100 g may supply on average 24% of the recommended dose. Cooking method should be chosen in order to preserve and/or enhance the final I amount.

Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., 'Gialla') is a delicious and nourishing fresh fruit having a number of documented positive health effects. One of the reasons this fruit is not widely commercialized in international and domestic markets is because of the presence of residual glochids (thorny hairs) on the fruit surface. Marketing cactus pear as a ready to eat product may significantly improve its consumption, preserving its quality, safety and marketability. In this work green-yellow cactus pear fruits were peeled and stored for 13 days at 4 and 8°C, packaged in passive and in active modified atmosphere. Samples stored in air were used as control. The passive modified atmosphere improved the marketability of cactus pears stored at 8°C for 6 days. The rapid decrease in O2 and the increase in CO2 concentration in packages stored at 8°C caused the loss of marketability of fruits stored at high temperature. Samples stored at 4°C in passive and active modified atmosphere resulted in a marketablility of 9 days, since each one in air was just below the salable limit at 6 days. A very low initial microbial growth was detected, while an increase in mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria during storage at both temperatures was found in the air samples. In conclusion, it was found that it is possible to store fresh-cut cactus pear, obtaining a marketability of 9 days at 4°C; while, when the temperature is higher than 4°C, it is not possible to preserve the fruit quality for more than 6 days.

The relationships between colour parameters obtained by a Computer Vision System (CVS) and both antioxidant activity (AA) and total phenol contents (TP) on coloured carrots were expressed as multivariate models obtained by multiple linear regression. The AA and TP predicted by the proposed models showed a good correlation with the real AA (R2 = 0.97, P ? 0.001) and TP (R2 = 0.94, P ? 0.001) measurements on the data set including internal and external parts of carrots. The predictions on the data set including only the internal (unevenly pigmented) parts of the carrots exhibited lower determination coefficients (R2 = 0.93 for AA and R2 = 0.86 for TP, P ? 0.001). The effectiveness of the models was checked also on the colour information provided by a colorimeter whose measures proved to be more sensitive to the uneven pigmentation of the carrots. Finally, the proposed models were able to successfully estimate the AA and the TP contents of pigmented carrots when applied to colours measured by the CVS.

Regina tomato, a locally cultivated Italian landrace, is listed as an item in the 'List ofTraditional Agri-Food Products' of the Italian Department for Agriculture and itemised as 'SlowFood presidium' by the Slow Food Foundation. It is classified as a long-storage tomato since it can bepreserved for several months after harvest thanks to its thick and coriaceous skin. Three ecotypeswere investigated for main physical and chemical traits both at harvest and after three months ofstorage. Experimental results indicate that this tomato landrace has a qualitative profile characterizedby high concentrations of tocopherols, lycopene and ascorbic acid (maximum 28.6 and 53.7 mg/kgfresh weight, FW, and 0.28 mg/g FW, respectively) even after a long storage time, together withlower average Total Soluble Solids. The initial and post-storage contents of the bioactive compoundschanged at a different rate in each ecotype (i.e., in Monopoli Regina tomato the highest content of-Tocopherol, thereafter reduced to the same level of the other two ecotypes). These results indicateunique and unmistakable features of this long-storage tomato, closely linked to the geographicorigin area that include both natural (available technical inputs) and human (specific culturalpractices) factors.

Asparagus represents a nutritious and refined food being very popular to consumers. The effects on the quality of spears cooked by conventional (boiling, steaming and microwaving) and different sous vide (using hot water or microwave) methods were analyzed. Physical, chemical and sensory traits were compared. Microwaving caused the largest weight change, the highest dry weight increase and the highest Total Color Difference in cooked samples compared to raw asparagus spears. Sous vide-microwaving showed an increase in greenness (the highest value of h°), better than the raw spears, and the lowest reduction in chlorophyll contents. After sous vide microwawing violaxanthin increased by about 42%, while after steaming neoaxanthin decreased by about 57%. Following sensory analysis, all cooked samples generally resulted acceptable (scores > 5 in a 1-9 hedonic scale), nevertheless sous vide-microwaved asparagus satisfied consumer acceptability more than the other cooked samples, especially when compared to steamed samples. Results indicate the sous vide-microwaving technique as optimal to preserve several traits, including the organoleptic ones, essential for the quality of cook-chilled asparagus spears. They also provide product-specific information usually required for cooking process strategies in the industrial area of ready-to-eat vegetables.

Chicory stems, appreciated both raw and cooked, represent a nutritious and refined food. In this study theeffects on the quality of stems cooked by conventional (boiling, steaming and microwaving) and innovative (sous vide)methodswere analysed. Several physical, chemical and sensory traits were compared using two local varieties (Galatina and Molfettese)of southern Italy (Puglia region).RESULTS: Independently of the variety, the sous vide method did not significantly affect (redness, yellowness and hue angle)or had the least impact on (lightness and total colour difference) quality parameters among the four methods as comparedwith the raw product. Following sensory analysis, the sous vide product always showed the highest score among the cookingmethods. Moreover, this innovative method did not affect total phenol (TP) content and antioxidant activity (AA) comparedwith uncooked stems of both varieties.Microwaving increased TP content and AA (though associated with higher weight loss),while different responses depending on the chicory variety were observed after boiling and steaming.CONCLUSION: The results indicate the sous vide technique as optimal to preserve several traits, including organoleptic ones, forthe quality of cook-chilled chicory stems. They also provide product-specific information usually required for cooking processstrategies in the industrial sector of ready-to-eat vegetables.

The mineral silicon (Si) is an essential element for humans and a general component of the diet found mainly in plant-based foods. The aim of this study was to obtain Si biofortificated leafy vegetables (tatsoi, mizuna, purslane, basil, Swiss chard, and chicory) to use for the fresh-cut products (ready to use). For the production of biofortified plants, a floating system with 0, 50 and 100 mg L-1 of Si in nutrient solution, was used. In addition, the assessment of bioaccessibility of biofortified plants, by in vitro gastro-digestion process, was performed.RESULTSThe added silicon in nutrient solution did not influence yield and colour of vegetables but a species-related accumulation of Si (expressed as SiO2) was found: from 18 to 69 mg kg-1 fresh weight (FW) in tatsoi, from 19 to 106 mg kg-1 FW in mizuna, from 15 to 93 mg kg-1 FW in purslane, from 41 to 294 mg kg-1 FW in basil, from 17 to 76 mg kg-1 FW in Swiss chard, and from 23 to 76 mg kg-1 FW in chicory. The Si became bioaccessible in all species considered in a range from 23% (basil) to 64% (chicory).CONCLUSIONThe application of Si to the nutrient solution in the range of 50-100 mg L-1 allows biofortification of leafy vegetables. In addition, the biofortified vegetables showed, on average, more bioaccessible Si, with respect to unbiofortified vegetables. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry

Solar photovoltaic greenhouses have become more popular, especially in the countries of southern Europe, due to specific government remuneration policies. However, many agronomic questions need to be addressed. This research was carried out in three types of commercial greenhouses covered with different materials (polycarbonate modules [PCM], traditional [TPM] and innovative semi-transparent [IPM] photovoltaic modules) with the aim to verify the compatibility of solar energy production with the production of high-quality wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L.). IPM may satisfy the entire electricity demand of a commercial greenhouse. Yield for rocket grown in TPM was lower than for IPM and PCM. Antioxidant properties and dry weight decreased as a consequence of decreasing cumulative photosynthetic photon flux density. Nitrate content in TPM was higher (about 10,000 mg o kg-1 FW) than the maximum limits allowed by EC Regulation No. 1258/2011, whereas it was lower in IPM and PCM (1,805 and 668 mg o kg-1 FW, respectively).The results suggest that it is possible to combine solar energy production with high-quality wild rocket production, using innovative semi-transparent PV modules.

This study investigates the effects of tomato puree fortification (ftp) with several anthocyanin-rich food colorants on bioactive compound content (phenolics, isoprenoids), antioxidant capacity, in vitro biological activities and consumer acceptance. Tomato puree (tp) was added with different anthocyanin extracts from Daucus carota L. var. atrorubens (Anthocarrot), Vitis vinifera L. fruit skins (Enocolor), Sambucus nigra L. (Elderberry) or Prunus mahaleb L. (Mahaleb) fruits. The consumer acceptance (colour, flavor, taste, visual appearance) was at high level, except for Mahaleb-added extracts. Compared to the control (tp), the addition of colouring extracts increased significantly the total phenolic content, before pasteurization, in addition to the expected anthocyanin content. However, after pasteurization, only Anthocarrot-ftp preserved increased phenolic (+53%) content, as well as higher antioxidant capacity (50%). Consistently, against tp, Anthocarrot-ftp exhibited an increased anti-inflammatory capacity as showed by the reduced expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 in human cultured endothelial cells, under inflammatory conditions.

The Mediterranean Diet, through a healthy profile of fat intake, carbohydrate at low glycaemic index, high content of dietary fibre, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, reduces the risk of certain pathologies such as cardiovascular disease. However, it represents anything much more than a dietary regimen and it is also characterised by its links to the various food cultures of the different countries of the Mediterranean area. On the other hand, the traditional cuisine of the Puglia region (Southern Italy) is based on a nutritional model mainly vegetarian because only a small share of calories is of animal origin; cereals are the basic ingredient, pulses and olive oil the main protein and fat source, respectively. In this paper we reported the culture, history, identity and heritage of this culinary model of the Southern Italy tradition to understand possible linkages with the Mediterranean Diet. Moreover, some traditional recipes of the Puglia cuisine are examined as regards gastronomic and nutritional aspects, also for better explaining its relationship with the food style best famous in the world.

In order to help conserve genetic resources in agriculture, the Puglia Regional Administration (Southern Italy) planned two specific actions under its 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme. This led to several activities being carried out for some local varieties, including the so-called "yellow-purple Polignano carrot", a multi-coloured landrace grown by a handful of old farmers who act as seed savers. The roots of this landrace, which is grown without fertilizer near the sea, have interesting visual, sensorial and nutritional traits as well as great potential for culinary applications and promising uses as raw material for new food products. However, this interesting landrace is grown on only a few hectares and is regarded as a vegetable at risk of genetic erosion. This note contains information on the yellow-purple Polignano carrot, with the aim of safeguarding some of the indigenous knowledge on the landrace and stimulating research activities that may lead to breeding programmes or commercial production improvement. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

The tender stems (turions) of chicory (Cichorium intybus L. Catalogna group) are widelyconsumed as fresh or processed food in central and southern Italy. They are also known as'puntarelle' and considered as elite groceries, cultivated as local varieties in Apulia and Lazio. Theproject CISIA has developed markers based on metabolic, transcriptional and allelic variationsaimed to identity, traceability and valorisation of the Galatina and Molfettese Apulian landracespropagated by local enterprises. A de novo reference transcriptome was assembled using RNA ofseveral organs (borne on young and adult plants of Galatina) and Illumina HiSeq2000 technology.Ca. 170M reads were generated (100bp paired-end) and assembled into 96,514 contigs of 1,168bpaverage length (N50 = 1,435bp). Among them, 68,260 (70.7%) showed significant similarity (Evalue<1e-5) to proteins in public databases (NCBI, TAIR, SwissProt, TrEMBL); 61,343 (63.6%)were classified based on gene ontology criteria and 13,536 (14.0%) were mapped onto 130 KEGGpathways. RNA-seq experiments (50bp single-end reads) were performed to collect genetranscriptional variation and polymorphism data using stems of Galatina and Molfettese grown inthe two regions. Ca. 1,700 genes were found to maintain the differential expression patterns,suggesting that they may be putative markers as being feebly dependent on the environment.Polymorphic SSR (ca. 100) and high-quality SNPs (ca. 71,000) were effective to discriminate thetwo varieties, representing potential tools for fingerprinting and map enrichment in assistedbreeding.