No abstract

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica) is largely consumed all over the world and has a high economic importance. Likewise, broccoli contains high levels of glucosinolates, carotenoids and total phenols, which are related with the prevention of chronic diseases. The present project's objective was to evaluate the effect of industrial freezing on the stability of bioactive molecules in seven commercial broccoli cultivars (Tlaloc®, Endurance®, Florapack®, Domador®, Steel®, Iron Man® and Avenger®). In general, industrial freezing increased the extractability of total glucosinolates, whereas total phenols remained constant in most broccoli cultivars. Likewise, broccoli subjected to industrial freezing showed higher levels of total carotenoids (∼60-300% higher) as compared with fresh broccoli. Results suggest that bioactive compounds in frozen broccoli would be more bioavailable than in raw.

(2015) Effects of different defrosting methods on the stability of bioactive compounds and consumer acceptability of frozen broccoli, CyTA -Journal of Food, 13:2, 312-320, DOI: 10.1080DOI: 10. /19476337.2014 To link to this article: https://doi.org/10. 1080/19476337.2014 Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is an excellent source of bioactive compounds. Frequently, it is commercialized frozen, though it has to be thawed before consumption. However, defrosting methods can affect the nutritional and sensory properties of broccoli. Therefore, the effect of defrosting (microwaving and boiling) for serving broccoli either cold or hot on the content of bioactive compounds (vitamin C, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and glucosinolates) and sensory acceptability of frozen broccoli was studied. Marked losses of hydrosoluble compounds were observed after boiling. Carotenoids increased after short-time boiling (~20%) but dramatically decreased after microwave-defrosting (between 30% and 40% less). Nevertheless, short defrosting using microwave showed the less overall losses. Moreover, microwave-based methods were preferred by consumers. Microwave-defrosting of broccoli for a short period of time may be the method of choice for better retention of bioactive compounds and organoleptic properties.Keywords: Brassica oleracea var. italica; glucosinolates; vitamin C; carotenoids; phenolic compounds El brócoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) es una excelente fuente de compuestos bioactivos. Frecuentemente, es comercializado congelado, aunque debe ser descongelado antes de ser consumido. No obstante, los métodos de descongelación pueden afectar las propiedades nutritivas y sensoriales del brócoli congelado. Por consiguiente, el efecto del descongelamiento (microondas y hervido) para servir brócoli frío o caliente en el contenido de compuestos bioactivos (vitamina C, carotenoides, compuestos fenólicos y glucosinolatos) y la aceptabilidad sensorial del brócoli congelado fue estudiado. Pérdidas marcadas de compuestos hidrosolubles fueron observadas después de hervir. Los carotenoides incrementaron después de hervir por tiempo corto (~20%) pero decrecieron después de la descongelación por microondas (entre 30% y 40% menos). Sin embargo, el descogelamiento corto utilizando microondas mostró las menores pérdidas globales. Además, los métodos por microondas fueron preferidos por los consumidores. El descongelamiento corto por microondas puede ser el método de elección para una mejor retención de nutracéuticos y propiedades organolépticas del brócoli congelado.