The quality of jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) flowers

Abstract

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) is a plant of the Asteraceae family. Tubers are better known because of beneficial effects for human health, especially as the sources of inulin. On the other hand there are no many publicize researches about Jerusalem artichoke flowers like an important part of the food. Objective of this research was to investigate and to evaluate the chemical composition of Jerusalem artichoke flowers grown in different soils. Quality analysis was carried out in the laboratories of Institute of Agricultural and Food Science of Vytautas Magnus University (previous Aleksandras Stulginskis University). The following agrochemical parameters of the soil were determined using standardized methods: pHKCl, the amount of soil humus, mineral nitrogen, mobile phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The chemical composition of different parts of Jerusalem artichoke flowers (disk florets and ray florets) were evaluated by standard method: the content of dry matter, inulin, total saccharides contents, minerals (N, P, K, Ca, Fe, Na, Zn, Mg). Electronic nose (Alpha M.O.S) measurement technologies were used to recognize and identify the flower fragrance (volatile organic compounds). Processing of the research data was carried out through the application of the method of the analysis of variance (ANOVA), using a computer software Statistica 10.[...]