Effect of Harvesting Time on the Chemical Composition of Cynara cardunculus L. var. altilis Blades

In the present study, fluctuations in fatty acids, tocopherols, organic and free sugars content of cardoon blades collected at sixteen harvest dates (samples B1–B16, corresponding to principal growth stages (PGS) between 1 9) were evaluated. A total 26 acids identified, with palmitic (C16:0, 19.9–40.13%), α-linolenic (C18:3n3, 6.39–33.2%), linoleic (C18:2n6c, 9–34.8%) being higher relative abundances most samples, while lipid was highest samples late (B15) intermediate (B8–B10) maturity. The α- γ-tocopherols only detected vitamin E isoforms, α-isoform presented concentration (80–8567 µg/100 g dw) all studied except for B9–B11, which γ-tocopherol concentrations. Moreover, B1 B14 showed tocopherols (8352 10,197 dw, respectively). identified oxalic, quinic, malic, citric, fumaric. Malic acid concentrations almost analyzed, B3 B15, presence oxalic stood out. Regarding sugar’s composition, fructose, glucose, sucrose, trehalose, raffinose compounds, sucrose (1.662–10.8 g/100 dw), younger maturation stages, namely B4 B5, sugars. conclusion, obtained results demonstrate influence that cycle may have on chemical composition this tissue (blades) species. having a more complete knowledge regarding its identifying stage is appropriate obtaining greater amount certain bioactive compounds will help increase added value multi-purpose crop.