36E-67 |
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P. GICHUHI1, D. Mortley2, E. Bromfield3, K. Kpomblekou-A4, and A. C. Bovell-Benjamin3. (1) Dept. of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Tuskegee Univ., College of Agricultural, Environmental and Natural Sciences, FPD/CFESH/NASA, Tuskegee, AL 36088, (2) Dept. of Agriculture, Tuskegee Univ., Tuskegee, AL 36088, (3) Food and Nutritional Sciences, Tuskegee Univ., Tuskegee, AL 36088, (4) Environmental Sciences, Tuskegee Univ., Tuskegee, AL 36088 Currently, Tuskegee University Center for Food and Environmental Systems for Human Exploration of Space is growing carrots hydroponically for possible inclusion in astronauts' diets in space. The objective of this study was to compare the biochemical, physical and consumer responses of carrot cultivars grown in two hydroponic systems. Eight carrot cultivars (Kundulus, Baby Spike, Juwaroot, Nantes Touchan, Denver 126, Thumbelina, Nanco Hybrid, and Early Nantes) were grown hydroponically using Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and Microporous Tube Membrane nutrient delivery System (MTMS). Biochemical and physical measures included moisture, protein, fat, crude mineral, carbohydrate, â-carotene contents, color and texture. College students' responses to raw and cooked carrots were assessed in a self-administered questionnaire and on a 9-point Hedonic scale. The NFT-grown carrots had moisture content ranging from 87-91% and those grown in MTMS system had 81-87%. For the NFT and MTMS treatments, Nantes Touchan (91±0.3%) and Nanco Hybrid 87±0.2%), respectively, had the highest moisture contents. Fat contents were similar for cultivars grown in both systems ranging from 0.1±0.05 to 0.4±0.1%. For the NFT-grown carrots, Baby Spike and Juwaroot had the highest and lowest â-carotene contents (11,833 and 320 µg/100g). Similarly, for the MTMS treatment, Thumbelina had the highest â-carotene content (10,667 µg/100g). However, the lowest â-carotene value for the MTMS-grown carrots was 4,142 µg/100g. Color values were similar for carrots grown in both systems with the Nante Touchan grown in MTMS and Early Nantes from NFT being lightest in color. For the NFT and MTS-grown carrots, Juwaroot and Nantes Touchan, respectively, were most crispy. More than 50% of the participants said the most important thing for them when purchasing carrots is â-carotene content, and 40% said they would buy hydroponic carrots if they were healthier. The cultivars with high â-carotene contents will potentially meet consumers' needs when purchasing carrots.
Session 36E, Fruit & Vegetable Products: General
2005 IFT Annual Meeting, July 15-20 - New Orleans, Louisiana |