Impact of an Agriphotovoltaic System on Metabolites and the Sensorial Quality of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) and Its High-Temperature-Extracted Juice

Hyeon-Woo Moon,Kang-Mo Ku

doi:10.3390/foods11040498

Abstract

To date, the impacts of agriphotovoltaic (APV) condition on the production yield of crop have been studied; however, the effect of APV production on the sensorial quality and consumer acceptability of the produce remains unexplored. Therefore, to address this knowledge gap, we cultivated “Winter Storm” cabbage under solar panels (20.16 kW) and in open field in 2020. The weight and diameter reduction rate of fresh cabbage grown under APV condition compared to open-field conditions were 9.7% and 1.2%, respectively. The levels of glucosinolates and their hydrolysis products were not significantly different in the fresh cabbage between the two conditions. The amount of volatile organic compounds, which may affect the perception of smell, were significantly higher in the cabbage juice prepared from the ones grown in open-field conditions than in the juice prepared from cabbages grown under APV conditions (n = 3, p < 0.01). However, untrained subjects could not distinguish the difference in the quality of the 2 sets of cabbage juices in the triangle test (n = 70, p = 0.724). Regardless of the distinguishing features of color, aroma, and taste, the subjects did not have any preference between the two different cabbage juices.

Highlights

As environmental problems, such as global warming caused by fossil fuel use, have emerged, renewable sources of energy have become an effective alternative
According to the Japanese energy policy, crop yield under APV should not be less than 80% of those grown in open-field (OF) conditions to ensure food security [2]
To assess the consumer acceptability of cabbage juice, we developed a testing methodology involving human subjects

Summary

Introduction

As environmental problems, such as global warming caused by fossil fuel use, have emerged, renewable sources of energy have become an effective alternative. South Korea announced “The. Renewable Energy 3020” policy that aims to increase the proportion of renewable energy up to 20% of the total energy generation by 2030. Renewable Energy 3020” policy that aims to increase the proportion of renewable energy up to 20% of the total energy generation by 2030 Systems, which generate electricity from raised solar panels and allow crop cultivation under the solar panels simultaneously, are being actively developed. According to the Japanese energy policy, crop yield under APV should not be less than 80% of those grown in open-field (OF) conditions to ensure food security [2]. Securing food crop yield, and the arrangement of solar panels that allow cultivation, have become primary research topics. Efficiency of radiation use and productivity have been studied on lettuce grown under 2 types of PV systems (1.6 m and 3.2 m intervals) [3]

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