Morphological, nutritional and chemical description of “Vatikiotiko”, an onion local landrace from Greece

“Vatikiotiko” is an onion local landrace from Greece with special quality features, such as strong and pungent taste and storability. In this study, we tried for the first time to describe this landrace and record its morphological traits and nutritional value in comparison with commercially cultivated genotypes (“Creamgold”, “Red Cross F1” and “Sivan F1”). Nutritional value of “Vatikiotiko” was higher than commercial genotypes, whereas total sugars, fructose and glucose content were lower in “Vatikiotiko” and “Creamgold” onions. Fatty acids composed mostly from polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and α-linolenic acid), whereas for “Vatikiotiko” saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were detected in equal amounts (29.79% and 30.60%, respectively). “Vatikiotiko” and “Creamgold” had low antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging activity), especially when comparing with “Sivan F1” and “Red Cross F1”, whereas no flavonoids were detected in “Vatikiotiko”. The overview of “Vatikiotiko” landrace supported its special character regarding its nutritional value (sugar content, mineral composition and fatty acids profile) and the necessity to revalorize and protect its traditional culture. The potential of introducing it as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) or Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) product has also been discussed.