Identification, quantification and comparison of the principal bioactive compounds and external quality parameters of two broccoli cultivars

In this research work, we aim to identify, quantify and compare the phytochemical such as vitamin C, carotenoid and chlorophyll pigments, phenolic compounds and intact glucosinolates, as well as the in vitro antioxidant activity and physical quality parameters (colour, firmness, moisture contents, weight/broccoli head and soluble solid contents) of Monaco and Parthenon broccoli cultivars. We found that the bioactive compounds were more abundant in Parthenon compared with Monaco. In fact, higher amount of chlorophylls (12.62 mg/100 g fresh weight), total phenolic compounds (147.15 mg chlorogenic acid equivalent/100 g fresh weight), and total intact glucosinolates (203.85 μmol of sinigrin equivalent/100 g fresh weight) were found in Parthenon. On the other hand, no significant differences were observed in terms of external quality parameters among the studied cultivars except in the colour and moisture contents.

► Broccoli as a highly value vegetable for its richness in bioactive compounds.
► Broccoli an interesting alternative for winter productions to increase land production.
► The presence of bioactive compounds depends on many factors, being the cultivar the most important.
► Parthenon was the cultivar showing the higher contents of bioactive compounds.