Sulforaphane content enhancement of red cabbage microgreens by using different planting media and nutrition solution

Abstract

Red cabbage contains sulforaphane that have many health benefit. The highest sulforaphane content is found in young plant, known as microgreens. Media and natural plant growth regulator as nutrient solutions adjustments can be used to raise the sulforaphane content of microgreens. This study aims to investigated the best planting media and natural plant growth regulator as nutrient solution to enhanced the sulforaphane content in red cabbage microgreens. Completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors (nutrition solution and planting media) is used for the research. Research result was analyzed by ANOVA followed by Duncan Multiple Range Test. Planting media and nutrition solutions had significant effects on the height, fresh weight, and the content of sulforaphane in microgreens. The combination of vermiculite as planting media and young coconut water as nutrient solution could increase the growth of microgreens, furthermore the used of cocopeat in combination with young coconut water may raise the sulforaphane content of microgreens. The amount of sulforaphane increased by two-fold with the used of cocopeat and young coconut water.