Quality Characterization of Celery (Apium graveolens L.) by Plant Zones and Two Harvest Dates

Abstract

The aim of this study was to characterize the quality of celery petioles (Apium graveolens L. cv Golden Clause) from the external, middle, and internal zones of each plant. Harvest dates were 93 (HD1) and 124 (HD2) days after transplantation. Total weight (TW), total length (TL), total leaves number (LN), and petiole length of leaves (PL) for the 3 zones were measured. Physicochemical (color, b* and h; texture; total soluble solids, TSS; titratable acidity, TA; water content, WC), nutraceutical (ascorbic acid, AA; total quinones, TQ; browning potential, BP), and sensorial analysis (flavor, fibrosity, crunchiness) were done at harvest on petioles of each zone. No differences between harvesting dates were found in TW, TL, LN, and PL. Middle leaves had the highest PL. Harvest dates were not different in b*, h, TA, AA, and WC. Texture, TSS, BP, and TQ resulted higher in petioles of HD2 than in HD1. Similar TSS and TA were found in leaves of different plant zones. The yellow color of both external and internal zones was significantly higher than in the middle zone. The texture and BP was similar between the external and middle zones but the WC was lower in the external zone. Similarly, the AA content as well as the TQ was also lower than in the middle zone. Harvest delay improved the nutraceutical value in terms of BP and TQ, even though it also resulted in pithiness and fibrosity of the leaves. This study therefore suggests that the petioles of the middle zone when harvested at HD1 are the most suitable for consumption. Practical Application: Celery is a vegetable reduced in calories, has a high nutritional value and its fresh petioles are mainly consumed in salads. The texture and flavor are the most important attributes that define consumers' acceptability. As nutritional value, texture, and flavor may change with plant age and different zones of the plant, harvest date plays an important role on quality. Results indicate that harvest delay improved the nutraceutical value even though it also resulted in pithiness and fibrosity of the stalks. Petioles of the middle zone, when harvested at 93 d after transplanting, are the most suitable for consumers' consumption.

Determination of Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activity in Butterhead Lettuce Related to Leaf Age and Position

“…Goñi et al (2010) and Agüero et al (2011) also found lower values of AA in inner leaves of butterhead lettuce. However, Guerra et al (2010), working with celery, reported that undeveloped inner leaves presented the highest AA content. This discrepancy may be due to the different vegetable crop used in the studies as well as differences in growth habit and growing conditions.…”

Apium Plants: Beyond Simple Food and Phytopharmacological Applications

“…Harvesting of celery (leafy or turnip-rooted types) is carried out manually, especially when successive harvesting is implemented, or mechanically for large fields when the product is meant for industrial purposes. Although the harvesting date is genotype and growing conditions dependent, early harvests may improve the quality of the end product mostly through the visual appearance (color and texture) and physicochemical composition [80], as well as through the increased content of essential oil in the leaves [81]. Late harvests may increase total yield when a single harvest is implemented, however the overall quality of celery petioles is reduced, especially in terms of tissue texture [82].…”

Impact of Production System on Quality Indices Distribution in Butterhead Lettuce: A Comparative Study among Open Field and Greenhouse

“…Differences in RWC between inner (younger) and outer leaves (older) could be attributed to metabolic differences instead of different exposure level to environmental conditions. Guerra et al [24] found similar results for greenhouse celery (Apium graveolens L.), attributing differences to degree of tissue development.…”