Physicochemical and Phytochemical Properties of Two Phenotypes of Galega Kale (Brassica oleracea L. var.Acephalacv. Galega)

Abstract

Some quality attributes of two traditional phenotypes (curly and smooth) of Brassica oleracea var. acephala cv. Galega were examined. The analyses showed that both varieties had high contents of total phenolics (314.83–322.25 GAE mg/100 g), vitamin C (83.83–104.44 mg/100 g) and chlorophyll (142–160 mg/100 g), and both displayed high antioxidant capacity (EC50 = 4.24–4.76). Comparison of the varieties revealed lower vitamin C and chlorophyll contents and higher lightness, yellowness and color saturation values in whole curly kale than in whole smooth kale. The soluble solids, total phenolics, vitamin C and chlorophyll contents and the antioxidant capacity were significantly higher in leaves than in stems of both varieties. However, pH, moisture content, lightness, greenness, yellowness and color saturation values were higher in stems than in leaves. Practical Applications The study demonstrates that the Galega kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala cv. Galega) has a high antioxidant capacity and high contents of phenolics, vitamin C and chlorophyll. The findings clearly show the high potential value of Galega kale as a source of natural antioxidants.