Health-related compound profile of Brussels sprouts plants (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera)

Abstract

Glucosinolates, vitamin C, carotenoids and vitamin K1 concentrations were determined in different parts of the Brussels sprouts buds (outer leaves, middle leaves and core) and the Brussels sprouts plant (stem, buds, petioles and leaves). The outer leaves of the Brussels sprouts buds contained ≈26%, ≈95% and ≈59% more vitamin C, carotenoids and vitamin K1, respectively, compared to the core. Total glucosinolates concentrations were evenly distributed, although their profile was different. Regarding the Brussels sprouts plant, glucosinolates were mainly present in the stem (153 ± 21 mg/ 100 g fresh weight) and the buds (88 ± 8 mg/100 g fresh weight). Carotenoids and vitamin K1 were distinctly more present in the leaves (24 ± 1 mg/ 100 g fresh weight and 0.62 ± 0.07 mg/ 100 g fresh weight, respectively). The buds contained 44 to 50% more vitamin C (85 ± 3 mg/ 100 g fresh weight) than the other parts of the Brussels sprouts plant.