Comparison of mineral contents of popular fruit and vegetable varieties in korea

Abstract

This study investigated the mineral content of regularly consumed Korean produce in order to provide a basis for informed decisions regarding a balanced diet. Eleven minerals prevalent in the produce were analyzed by microwave digestion coupled with ICP-OES and ICP-MS. In general, vegetables showed a higher mineral content than fruits, with Daekwonseoneon peppers providing th highest values for P, K, and Mg among the 52 varieties of fruits and vegetables examined (79.57 mg/100 g, 638.59 mg/100 g and 37.30 mg/100 g, respectively). Among the 35 fruit varieties analyzed, Geumsil strawberries delivered the highest contents of Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Mo (23.52 mg/100 g, 45.29 mg/100 g, 20.05 mg/100 g, 0.87 mg/100 g, 0.58 mg/100 g, 8.44 μg/100 g, respectively). High Ca and K contents were observed in grapes, particularly those of the Shine Muscat varieties (12.28 mg/100 g and 241.42 mg/100 g, respectively) and Jico tomato varieties contained the highest Na content (10.82 mg/100 g). Moreover, notable macro-mineral content was detected in nectarine (Cheonhong, Sunfre, and Fantasia) and baekdo (Cheonjungdo) peach varieties. Apples provided both macro-minerals autumn apples; Jahong, Arisoo, and Hongro and micro-minerals summer apple; SummerKing and Tsugaru with diverse mineral content in same varieties depending on the cultivation area. Based on our findings, a balanced diet containing the necessary contents of macro and micro-minerals can be easily achieved by varying the type and variety of regularly consumed produce.