Abstract
In an extensive investigation concerning the utilization of dandelion,
the feasibility of cultivating the dandelion for salad use has been
studied. Properties making up the intrinsic quality, viz., nutritive
value and content of nitrates, have been used as one criterion of
suitability. The study material consisted of 11 Finnish agamospecies
selected for their mild taste, and two middle-European cultivars,
’Vollherziger verbesserter’ and ’Vert de Montmagny’. The effects of
cultivation methods were also studied: two levels of fertilization, and
covering with black polyethelene film, black fibre cloth and bark humus
layers of various thicknesses were compared. As criteria of the
nutritive value, dry matter, soluble solids, mineral contents, in
particular Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn, and vitamin C, were measured. The nitrate
content as a criterion of intrinsic quality was also studied. In spring,
the dry matter of the rosettes averaged 12.3%, in late summer 17.1 %.
In spring the average content of soluble solids was 5.5 %, the mineral
content 1.6 %. The amounts of the individually analyzed minerals Ca, Mg,
Fe and Mn deviated somewhat from values in the literature, probably due
to the methods of cultivation. The amount of vitamin C in spring was on
average 42 mg/100g, varying between 29 and 53 mg/100g. The nitrate
content was low: at highest 660 mg NO3/kg fresh weight. The influence of
fertilizing level was slight. Even the levels of minerals and nitrates
were not increased at the higher level of fertilization. Coverings had
clear-cut effects. Where the covering effectively eliminated light, i.e.
when black film, black fibre cloth or thick bark humus layer was used,
the dry matter, soluble solids, mineral content and vitamin C values
were decreased and the nitrate values increased. Compared with other
plants used as salad greens, the nutritive value and particularly the
amount of vitamin C in dandelion are much higher, although the values
are considerably decreased if the leaves are bleached. If the mild
tasting types studied here were cultivated, bleaching would not be
necessary. The nitrate content in dandelion is generally low as compared
with many other plants used as salad greens.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 23-31 |
Journal | Journal of the Scientific Agricultural Society of Finland |
Volume | 56 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1984 |
MoE publication type | A1 Journal article-refereed |