Brassicaceae Microgreens: Phytochemical Compositions, Influences of Growing Practices, Postharvest Technology, Health, and Food Applications

Abstract

Our planet is facing food scarcity due to a rapidly growing population. Hence, food production and sources must adapt to accommodate a growing population and a changing climate in addition to being produced year-round in a small space with minimal growing inputs. Brassicaceae microgreens (BM) have a short growth cycle and can quickly grow with minimum inputs in a small area year-round, which make them an ideal candidate to diversify global nutrition and adapt to global climate change and urbanization. There is a growing interest in incorporating BM into daily diets as a source of phytochemicals and other nutrients. The phytochemicals in BM possess various biological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory, which has piqued the interest of health-conscious consumers and researchers. Several growing conditions and postharvest practices have influenced the concentration of phytochemicals in BM. This review contains up-to-date information about the proximate compositions, phytochemicals contents, growing practices of BM, possible shelf life extending mechanisms, and their application in novel food product development and health benefits.