Content of ascorbic acid, quercetin, kaempferol and total phenolics in commercial broccoli

A total of 80 commercial broccoli samples were collected over a two-year period to determine seasonal variation in the levels of ascorbic acid (AA), vitamin C (the sum of AA and dehydroascorbic acid [DHAA]), the predominant flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol, and total phenolics at the consumer level. Levels of AA and vitamin C varied between 13.37–110.30 and 57.35–131.35 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW), respectively. The levels of quercetin and kaempferol ranged from 0.03 to 10.85 and 0.24 to 13.20 mg/ 100 g FW, respectively. Total phenolic activity ranged from 48.15 to 157.77 mg/100 g FW. Significant seasonal variation and year-to-year variability were observed in the content of all phytochemicals examined. Total phenolic levels correlated positively with levels of vitamin C, quercetin, and kaempferol. Based upon the USDA/ERS 2007 database for consumption based upon sales, and the data reported herein, the daily availability of vitamin C from broccoli was estimated at 8.99 mg; accounting for 15% of Reference Daily Intake (RDI). The average daily availability of quercetin, kaempferol and total phenolics from broccoli was estimated as 0.23, 0.32 and 5.50 mg, respectively. 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.