Rich Source Of Vitamins Research Articles

Basic Chemical Composition, Selected Polyphenolic Profile and Antioxidant Activity in Various Types of Currant (Ribes spp.) Fruits

Black currants are more popular and consumed more often than red and white ones. These fruits are low in calories, and they are recognised as a rich source of vitamin C. It can be hypothesised that currant fruits, depending on the colour, may differ in the profile of polyphenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and basic composition. The objective of this study was to determine the basic chemical composition, selected polyphenolic compound profile and antioxidant activity of black, red and white currant fruits collected over two years. Red currant fruits had a higher protein content, than black currant fruits, which had the lowest. The highest fat content was found in white currants and the lowest in black currants. The black currant variety was the richest in total carbohydrates. The highest amount of total polyphenols was found in black currant fruits and the lowest in red currant fruits. In all types of currant fruit, catechin was the major phenolic compound. However it showed the highest difference between types of currants. It was observed that red currant fruits had the highest antioxidant activity when tested with the ABTS+ and FRAP methods, and the lowest was found in white currant fruits. The highest antioxidant activity, tested by the FRAP method, occurred in black currant fruits, while the lowest was observed in white currant fruits.

Unexplored Opportunities of Utilizing Food Waste in Food Product Development for Cardiovascular Health.

Global food production leads to substantial amounts of agricultural and food waste that contribute to climate change and hinder international efforts to end food insecurity and poverty. Food waste is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, fibers, phenolic compounds, lipids, and bioactive peptides. These compounds can be used to create food products that help reduce heart disease risk and promote sustainability. This review examines the potential cardiovascular benefits of nutrients found in different food waste categories (such as fruits and vegetables, cereal, dairy, meat and poultry, and seafood), focusing on animal and clinical evidence, and giving examples of functional food products in each category. Current evidence suggests that consuming fruit and vegetable pomace, cereal bran, and whey protein may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in individuals who are at risk. This is due to improved lipid profile, reduced blood pressure and increased flow-mediated dilation, enhanced glucose and insulin regulation, decreased inflammation, as well as reduced platelet aggregation and improved endothelial function. However, the intervention studies are limited, including a low number of participants and of short duration. Food waste has great potential to be utilized as cardioprotective products. Longer-term intervention studies are necessary to substantiate the health claims of food by-products. Technological advances are needed to improve the stability and bioavailability of bioactive compounds. Implementing safety assessments and regulatory frameworks for functional food derived from food waste is crucial. This is essential for maximizing the potential of food waste, reducing carbon footprint, and improving human health.

Selenium improved arsenic toxicity tolerance in two bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) varieties by modulating growth, ion uptake, photosynthesis, and antioxidant profile

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.); an important spice crop of the region is a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants having many health benefits. Many biotic and abiotic factors contribute towards growth and yield losses of this crop. Arsenic (As) toxicity is a global issue, but it is particularly critical in developing countries. The current study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of selenium (Se) in mitigating the toxic effects of As in two varieties (HSP-181 A and PS09979325) of Capsicum annuum L. Different concentrations of As (0, 50, and 100 µM) and Se (0, 5, and 10 µM) were tested using 14 days old seedlings of C. annuum L. The As stress caused a significant (P ≤ 0.001) reduction in growth, uptake of nutrients, and eco-physiological attributes in both varieties however, the response was specific. While the overproduction of osmo-protectants and antioxidants intensified the symptoms of oxidative stress. The maximum reduction in shoot length (45%), fresh weight (29%), and dry weight (36%) was observed in under 100 µM As stress. The organic acids exudation from the roots of both cultivars were significantly increased with the increase in As toxicity. The Se treatment significantly (p ≤ 0.001) improved growth, nutrient uptake, gas exchange attributes, antioxidant production, while decreased oxidative stress indicators, and As uptake in the roots and shoots of all the subjects under investigation. It is concluded from the results of this study that Se application increased photosynthetic efficiency and antioxidant activity while decreasing As levels, organic acid exudation, and oxidative stress indicators in plants. Overall, the var. PS09979325 performed better and may be a good candidate for future pepper breeding program.

The use of sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) as a seasoning for popcorn: An investigation of consumer acceptance, sensory perception and emotional response

Increasing consumer demand for health-promoting sustainable food products has led to interest in seaweed. Sugar kelp, Saccharina latissimi, is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, fibre, antioxidants, and protein, but it is underutilized as a food ingredient. Seaweed has been identified as a possible seasoning and could be used in snack foods. As such, the purpose of this study was to evaluate how consumers would use sugar kelp as a seasoning on popcorn. The consumers (n = 95) evaluated popcorn and then were asked to add sugar kelp seasoning and to reevaluate the popcorn. The amount of popcorn consumed, and the amount of seasoning used were recorded. Furthermore, the consumers evaluated the popcorn with and without sugar kelp using hedonic scales, free comment, generalized Labelled Magnitude Scales, as well as emotional response (using the EsSense25 profile). The consumers, on average, used 2.5 g of seasoning and consumed the same amount of both samples (with and without sugar kelp). The addition of sugar kelp decreased the liking scores, increased the intensity of umami and bitterness in the samples, and led to fishy, seaweed, and pepper flavours being perceived. It also led to the reduction of positive emotions and an increased selection of negative emotions. The consumers identified that they are interested in foods containing seaweed, but based on the results of the study, the addition of sugar kelp seasoning needs to be further explored.

Assessment of Selected Chemical and Morphological Properties of Lonicera var. kamtschatica and Lonicera var. emphyllocalyx Treated with Gaseous Ozone.

Lonicera caerulea L. fruits are a rich source of vitamins, organic acids, and phenolic compounds, which are characterised by their health-promoting properties. The content of bioactive compounds in this fruit may vary depending on the cultivar and the harvest date. This study analysed the effect of applying 5 ppm gaseous ozone for 1, 3, and 5 min on the chemical properties of L. kamtschatica varieties and newly created clones of L. emphyllocalyx for three years of cultivation. The fruits harvested from L. emphyllocalyx, depending on the year of harvest, had significantly larger size and weight compared to L. kamtschatica. On average, the acidity of the L. emphyllocalyx clones was 6% higher than other tested varieties. The average content of ascorbic acid was highest in L. emphyllocalyx clone '21-17'-57.80 mg·100 g-1; the year of harvest will significantly affect the content of vitamin C, reaching the highest level in 2022-53.92 mg·100 g-1. The total content of polyphenols was significantly dependent on the year of cultivation; reaching, on average, 54.8% more in 2022 compared to the rest of the years. The total antioxidant value using the FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS methods varied depending on the variety; exposure to ozone significantly increased the antioxidant value in each case. On the basis of the study, both botanical varieties can be used in food processing. Gaseous ozone exposure can significantly influence chemical composition, increasing the health-promoting value of fruit.

Comparison of the Antioxidant and Cytoprotective Properties of Extracts from Different Cultivars of Cornus mas L

Cornus mas L. is a rich source of vitamin C and polyphenols. Due to their health-benefit properties, C. mas L. extracts have been used in, e.g., dermatology and cosmetology, and as a food supplement. Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and its co-activator (PGC-1α) are now suspected to be the main target of active substances from C. mass extracts, especially polyphenols. Moreover, the PPARγ pathway is involved in the development of different diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), cancers, skin irritation, and inflammation. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the PPARγ pathway activation by the most popular water and ethanol extracts from specific C. mas L. cultivars in an in vitro model of the human normal fibroblast (BJ) cell line. We analyzed the content of biologically active compounds in the extracts using the UPLC-DAD-MS technique and revealed the presence of many polyphenols, including gallic, quinic, protocatechuic, chlorogenic, and ellagic acids as well as iridoids, with loganic acid being the predominant component. In addition, the extracts contained cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside, and quercetin 3-glucuronide. The water–ethanol dark red extract (DRE) showed the strongest antioxidant activity. Cytotoxicity was assessed in a normal skin cell line, and positive effects of all the extracts with concentrations ranging from 10 to 1000 µg/mL on the cells were shown. Our data show that the studied extracts activate the PPARγ/PGC-1α molecular pathway in BJ cells and, through this mechanism, initiate antioxidant response. Moreover, the activation of this molecular pathway may increase insulin sensitivity in DM2 and reduce skin irritation.

Quantification of flavonoids, minerals, and pigments present in "Nanicão" bananas during the ripening process.

Banana is one of the most consumed and popular fruits in all regions of the world, being cultivated mainly in tropical countries. It is not only a rich source of vitamins A, C, and B, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and other vitamins and nutrients, but it also contains several types of antioxidants with high nutritional value. In this context, the current study aimed to quantify the content of ascorbic acid, flavonoids, pigments, and minerals present in "Nanicão" bananas during the ripening process. As demonstrated, the level of flavonoids was higher in ripe and overripe fruits, whereas the mineral composition was high only at ripening stage 4 (more yellow than green) a stage that should be prioritized when recommending fruit consumption to the population deficient in these minerals. Regarding pigments, there was a reduction in chlorophylls a and b and an increase in carotenoids and anthocyanins in peels and pulps. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Flavonoids are phenolic, bioactive compounds with proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and products of the plant's secondary metabolism. The degradation of chlorophylls and synthesis of carotenoids and anthocyanins, and as a consequence of the latter pigment, the increase in flavonoids in the pulp was evident during the monitoring of ripening, mainly in the fruit peels in relation to pigments. Minerals are essential elements, the main ones provided in balanced diets and important for dietary and nutritional health.

Comparison of vitamin C and flavanones between freshly squeezed orange juices and commercial 100% orange juices from four European countries

Knowing the true levels of nutrients and dietary bioactives in fruit juices at the point of consumption is key to properly understand their potential health benefits. The objective was to characterise the vitamin C and flavanone content in commercial orange juices consumed in Europe, compared with fresh-squeezed juices. Commercial juices were a rich source of vitamin C (>30% of the Nutrient Reference Value). Vitamin C in fresh-squeezed juices, at the end of their shelf-life, remained 33% higher than the levels found in the commercial juices. Flavanones had similar values from both commercial and fresh juices, except for fresh samples stored for 48 h, where fresh juices had higher values (22.36 mg/100 mL). Thus, orange juices preserve their bioactive compounds during storage, with very little influence of the brand, country, industrial process or storage conditions. Main bioactive compounds in commercial juices are present at nutritionally significant levels to the freshly-squeezed ones.

Selenization and its impact on quantitative and qualitative parameters of carrot juice.

Carrot juice is a rich source of vitamins, carotenes, minerals, and other micronutrients with positive health effects. The 'Kamaran F1', 'Baltimore F1', 'Naval F1', 'Niagara F1', 'Flakkese 2 – Vita longa' varieties were included in the study conducted during the years 2021–2022. The study examined the influence of selenization on the selenium level and additionally also other qualitative and quantitative indicators in carrot juice. For a total of 50 mg/L of sodium selenate was applied. The process of making carrot juice involved cleaning and washing the roots, crushing, and pressing them, pasteurizing the juice for 5 min at 85 °C, and aseptic filling. In addition to the selenium content, quantitative parameters (1 - root average weight, total carrot roots yield, juice yield) and qualitative parameters (carotenoids, sugars, acids, total soluble solids) were monitored. Our findings revealed a higher selenium level in the carrot juice that followed this processing method. The average content of Se in fresh carrot juice without Se fortification was 14 μg/L, while in the fortified variant the content of Se in carrot juice was 186 μg/L (13-fold increase). In the pasteurized variant 11-fold increase of selenium was found in fortified variant. This indicates that this form of selenium is thermostable, meaning that the juice retains its composition, adding to its additional value. Based on the other assessed parameters the application of sodium selenate at the recommended dose did not significantly affect the height of the carrot yields, which is an important economic criterion.

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata) Anti-Inflammatory Activity-A Review.

The manuscript provides an overview of recent scientific reports on the properties and range of health-promoting effects of acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC) fruits and leaves. Acerola is a natural raw material that, in its unprocessed form, is known to be a rich source of vitamin C and polyphenolic compounds. For this reason, the consumption of acerola may provide a number of health-promoting benefits, particularly related to its strong anti-free radical effects. The review discusses anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of acerola fruit and leaves as well as its therapeutic effects on selected physiological processes in the human system. Their biochemical mechanisms are also explained. Recommendations for the consumption of acerola in the prevention of inflammatory and free radical diseases are presented. The part of the article devoted to anticancer effects of acerola describes the possibilities of using the edible parts of this raw material to obtain products and preparations of potential use in cancer prevention and therapy.

Non-destructive and destructive physical measurements as indicators of sugar and organic acid contents in strawberry fruit during ripening

Strawberry fruit is appreciated by consumers for its characteristic taste, which can be attributed to the balance between sugars and organic acids content, but strawberries are also a rich source of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). This study focuses on the suitability of different physical parameters, such as ripening index (IAD), firmness and total soluble solids content, as indicators of the content of sugars and organic acids during ripening. Five ripening stages were defined - green, white, ripe red, fully ripe dark red and overripe stage at five different cultivars. As the fruit ripened, the content of ascorbic acid, sugars and sugar/acid ratio increased and the organic acids content decreased, but the changes varied among cultivars. The ripening index (IAD) strongly correlated with the total sugar content (r = -0.72), total organic acids content (r = 0.70) and sugar/acid ratio (r = -0.82). Additionally, firmness correlated well with the content of sugars and organic acids. On the other hand, TSS showed a weaker correlation with the total sugar content (r = 0.38). Although, both the ripening index (IAD) and firmness showed strong correlations with sugars and organic acids content and can help distinguish unripe fruit from ripe fruit, the use of these parameters for distinguishing between different of ripe fruit (from early ripe to overripe) can be limited only to certain cultivars.

Development of nutrition rich mixed fruit leather from Apple and Papaya: A review

Apple and papaya are renowned for its nutritional properties, being a rich source of vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants, vitamin K and E and minerals. Post Harvest loss would be very high, to address this issue in the present review developing of fruit leather with different fruits such as apple and papaya. Processing apple and papaya into alternative products become essential to address these issues. One such product is papaya and apple leather, which aids in better utilization and preservation of the fruit’s qualities. In the present review with different combinations of apple and papaya would check the physiochemical properties and organoleptic acceptability. The present review revels the different enzymes, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which are present in different combinates of fruit leather. In the present review novel development of fruit leathers prepared from apple and papaya, further research focusing on fruit leather and latest combinations and technologies used in fruit leather development would revel.

Study of HAA and PAH accumulation in meat products during its heat treatment using different types of oils

Heat treatment of meat inevitably leads to the formation of chemical compounds non characterized for it. New chemical compounds formed in meat during its heat treatment are responsible not only for changing the organoleptic properties of the product, but can also be potential carcinogens and mutagens. One type of such compounds is HAA, the carcinogenic and mutagenic potential of which has been proven in a number of studies on laboratory animals and microorganisms. Concern about consuming of HAA led to a number of studies devoted to searching the ways to reduce the amount of HAA formation. In such studies it was found that the most powerful inhibitors in the formation reaction of HAA are antioxidants, vitamin E in particular. Such studies determined the aim of this work - research the influence of various types of vegetable oils (a rich sources of vitamin E) used during heat treatment of meat on the amount of carcinogens formed in meat products. The research results showed that the greatest reduction in the amount of HAA was achieved in samples with avocado oil - the total reduction relative to the control sample was about 54%. Also, the use of avocado oil led to the formation of fewer PAH. In samples with sunflower oils it was observed the reduction of the HAA amount by 43, 44 and 51%. The lowest inhibitory effect in the reaction of HAA formation was observed in samples with coconut and flaxseed oils - 22 and 9.5% respectively. On the contrary, the use of butter during heat treatment of meat increased the HAA amount - about 15% relative to the control sample. Studies have shown that the use of vegetable oils during heat treatment of meat products can significantly reduce the amount of carcinogens formed in it.

Comparison of Total Antioxidant Capacity of Milk of Crossbred Holstein Friesian and Vechur Cattle during Different Lactation

Background: Milk is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, fats and high quality proteins. Milk proteins such as casein, lactoferrin and amino acids in milk like tyrosine, cysteine, tryptophan, lysine, etc. have antioxidant properties. The objective of this study was to compare the antioxidant level of milk of crossbred Holstein Friesian (CBHF) and Vechur cattle during different stages of lactation. Methods: Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was estimated by using ferric reducing antioxidant assay. Milk samples from six animals each of CBHF and Vechur cattle were collected separately at early lactation, mid lactation and late lactation period. Results: Milk samples from CBHF and Vechur cattle during the early stages of lactation had significantly higher total antioxidant capacity than milk samples from later stages of lactation. This could be because of the high fat content in the early phases. The total antioxidant content of Vechur milk was higher than that of CBHF milk throughout lactation. The milk of the Vechur cow contains higher beta casein A2 than A1. No significant difference in the TAC values noticed between milk of mid and late lactation in both CBHF and Vechur cattle. The high antioxidant capacity of milk from Vechur cattle suggests that it has a great therapeutic potential. Different animal milk and milk products with antioxidant defense systems can be considered to have health-beneficial effects against free radical damage.

Almond (Prunus amygdalus L.): A source of revitalizing health and its therapeutic application

Nature is the source of some exquisite food products, having a wondrous amalgam of beneficial bioactive compounds with diverse health effects, often unattainable in synthetic products. Almond is a one of the valuable health benefiting food, from the Rosaceae family, have long been known as a source of essential nutrients; nowadays, they are in demand as a healthy food with increasing popularity for the general population and producers. They are native to the region which extends from India to Persia; the almond tree had spread to east and west of its native region thousands of years before Christ. Bitter and sweet almond are its types. It consists of Kernel or meat, mid shell and outer green shell. They are a rich source of vitamin E, dietary fiber, B-vitamins, proteins, calcium, magnesium, mono-unsaturated fats and phytosterols. This is also one of the classical Unani drugs prescribed by Hakeems in different body ailments. In Unani literature, it is mainly described as Muqawwī-i-dimāgh (Brain tonic), Murattib-i-dimāgh (Brain demulcent), Mulayyin (Laxative), Muqawwī-i-bāh (Aphrodisiac) and Mughadhdhi (Nutritious) etc. This is a review paper which discuss morphology, pharmacological action, ethno-medicinal and therapeutic uses of this medicinal plant in perspective of Unani medicine. This review has been done through online searches of databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, science direct and hand search for classical textbook available in libraries. It concluded that Almond is one of the best herbal medicines in treatment of Palpitation, Amnesia, Hyperlipidemic, Sexual Debility, Dysmenorrhea, as it possess the following properties Antidiabetic, Antifungal, Anticancer, Antioxidant, Antihypertensive, Anti-inflammatory, Immunity enhancer, Hepato-protective Neuro-protective.
 Keywords: Unani System of Medicine, Almond, Badam Shireen, Neuroprotective, Immunobooster, Muqawwī-i-dimāgh

Effect of Gypsum, Nitrogen and Phosphorus on Growth, Yield and Quality of Spring Groundnut

Background: Groundnut kernels contain 48-50% edible oil, 25-34% protein, 10-20% carbohydrates and are a rich source of vitamins (E, K and B complex). Groundnut is a legume-oilseed crop, its requirement of phosphorus, calcium and sulphur is quite high. Gypsum is commonly used as a source of calcium and sulphur for groundnut all over the world. Keeping all these points in view the present study was undertaken to find out the optimum mineral nutrition of spring groundnut Methods: A field experiment was conducted for 2 years at the Students’ Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during spring season of 2018 and 2019. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design replicated three times with four levels of gypsum (0, 125, 175 and 225 kg ha-1) in combination with two gypsum application stages (Full at sowing and 50% at sowing + 50% at flower initiation stage) in the main plot and three levels of nitrogen and phosphorus (15 kg N ha-1 + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1, 25 kg N ha-1 + 30 kg P2O5 ha-1 and 35 kg N ha-1 + 40 kg P2O5 ha-1) in the sub-plot. Result: Application of 225 kg ha-1 gypsum resulted significantly higher growth parameters, pod yield, haulm yield, kernel yield over other gypsum levels. Growth parameters, pod yield, haulm yield and kernel yield were significantly higher with the split application as compared to basal application of gypsum. Growth parameters viz., emergence count, plant height, number of branches plant-1 and dry matter accumulation were increased with increase in the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus up to 25 kg N ha-1 + 30 kg P2O5 ha-1. However, 35 kg N ha-1 + 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 resulted significantly higher protein and oil content of kernels over other levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, while pod yield, haulm yield and kernel yield were at par with 25 kg N ha-1 + 30 kg P2O5 ha-1 during both the years.

Innovative Integration of Arrayan (Luma apiculata) Extracts in Chitosan Coating for Fresh Strawberry Preservation.

Strawberries are a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants, among other nutrients, but they are highly susceptible to mechanical injuries, dehydration, and microbial spoilage, and thus have a limited post-harvest shelf-life. Bioactive edible coatings have been studied to decrease or prevent these damages. In this study, ethanolic extracts of Arrayan (Luma apiculata), a traditional berry from the south of Chile, were used to enrich a chitosan-based edible film and coat fresh strawberries. A long-term storage (10 °C) study was conducted to determine the strawberries' weight loss, microbial stability, fruit firmness impact, and antioxidant activity. Later, a sensory panel was conducted to determine overall consumer acceptance. Our results show that the bioactive coating inhibited the growth of different pathogenic bacteria and spoilage yeast. In the stored strawberries, the weight loss was significantly lower when the bioactive coating was applied, and the samples' firmness did not change significantly over time. Microbial growth in the treated strawberries was also lower than in the control ones. As expected, the antioxidant activity in the coated strawberries was higher because of the Arrayan extract, which has high antioxidant activity. Regarding sensory qualities, the covered strawberries did not show significant differences from the uncoated samples, with an overall acceptance of 7.64 on a 9-point scale. To our knowledge, this is the first time an edible coating enriched with Arrayan extracts has been reported as able to prevent strawberries' decay and spoilage.

EXPLORING THE ALLURE OF STRAWBERRIES

Strawberry is a member of family Rosaceae. Fragaria x ananassa are two important species which grown throughout the world. It is a rich source of Vitamin C, also contains sugar, organic acid, and major constituent is water. It is utilized in fresh form as well as processed such as jam and juices. Organic food products are beneficial for the people around the globe. From the past years, organic food production is increased abruptly. Plasticulture strawberry production system is used which enhances the yield of strawberry doubles times as compared to matted rows. Different kinds of plastic mulches used which give protection to plant and soil and increase the yield. As we know due to health concerns that occurred due to excessive use of chemicals and fertilizers, it is hazardous to use chemical fertilizers on unpeelable fruits like strawberry. It enhances risks for human health. Many constituents of strawberries such as ellagic acid, anthocyanins, and ellagitannins provide different health benefits to humans. It has anticarcinogenic and anti-antioxidant properties, and they prevent human from heart diseases and many other problems such as obesity.

Rowanberry-A Source of Bioactive Compounds and Their Biopharmaceutical Properties.

After a period of intense development in the synthesis pharmaceutical industry, plants are making a comeback in the public focus as remedies or therapeutic adjuvants and in disease prevention and ensuring the wellbeing and equilibrium of the human body. Plants are being recommended more and more in alimentation, in their natural form, or as extracts, supplements or functional aliments. People, in general, are in search of new sources of nutrients and phytochemicals. As a result, scientific research turns to lesser known and used plants, among them being rowanberries, a species of fruit very rich in nutrients and underused due to their bitter astringent taste and a lack of knowledge regarding the beneficial effects of these fruit. Rowan fruits (rowanberries) are a rich source of vitamins, polysaccharides, organic acids and minerals. They are also a source of natural polyphenols, which are often correlated with the prevention and treatment of modern world diseases. This article presents the existing data regarding the chemical composition, active principles and biopharmaceutical properties of rowan fruits and the different opportunities for their usage.

Enhancing Post-Mining Lands’ Value through Sustainable Melon Cultivation: A Hydroponic Approach

This study investigates the potential of utilizing post-mining areas for sustainable melon (Cucurbitales, Cucurbitaceae, Cucumis) cultivation, focusing on premium melon production by PT. Indominco Mandiri within its Community Development and Empowerment program. A hydroponic system, which involves the cultivation of plants in a soilless medium with a nutrient solution, was employed due to its advantages in improving plant quality and yield. Findings demonstrate that melon thrives in ex-mining conditions, reaching harvesting maturity within 2.5 months, with fruits noted for their sweetness. Additionally, melons were found to be a rich source of vitamins A, K, C, B-6, E, niacin, and essential minerals including calcium, potassium, ferum, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, and zinc, with low sodium and no fat content. This research underscores the hydroponic system’s potential in reclaiming post-mining lands, enhancing economic viability and fostering community development and empowerment. The implications of these findings extend to environmental rehabilitation and sustainable agriculture practices, offering a feasible and productive use of post-mining land globally.