Productive and Morphometric Traits, Mineral Composition and Secondary Metabolome Components of Borage and Purslane as Underutilized Species for Microgreens Production

Neglected and underutilized species (NUS) offer largely unexplored opportunities for providing nutritious plant food, while making agro-ecosystems more diverse resilient to climate change. The aim of this work was explore the potential two typical Mediterranean species, purslane borage, as novel vegetable product (microgreens). Micro-scale production edible plants is spreading due simplicity their management, rapid cycle, harvest index, phytochemical value product. Microgreens, therefore, represent an opportunity link NUS, nutrition, agricultural dietary diversification. By analyzing yield, antioxidants activities, mineral composition, main phenolic acids flavonoids, our indicated that provide interesting results when compared with those reported crops horticultural species. Specifically, should be considered highly nutritional amount compounds ascorbic acid, good β-carotene bioavailability. Borage microgreens have a very high fresh yield composite balanced profile. In conclusion, provided evidence implementing new ways expand NUS market-chains developing added-value food products.