Preliminary Assessment of Four Wild Leafy Species to Be Used as Baby Salads

Wild edible leafy plants, thanks to their organoleptic characteristics and nutritional value that can make them be appreciated as salads by consumers, represent a good opportunity for growers the fresh-cut industry, which are always looking new crops expand number of products they offer. In this study, four wild species (dandelion, sorrel, chicory, lettuce) were cultivated hydroponically up baby leaf stage in order evaluate potential crops. At harvest, yield antioxidant compounds, minerals, nitrates content assessed. The contribution human mineral intake possible health risk associated with heavy metals investigated. A characterization sensory profile was also carried out. Yield chlorophylls carotenoids investigated comparable those common vegetables. Variability nitrate observed, lowest sorrel highest dandelion. All could contribute Cr, Mg, Se intake, risks due excluded. Each well characterized distinctive peculiar notes. conclusion, results preliminary study suggest may promising production.