Sensory Profile, Shelf Life, and Dynamics of Bioactive Compounds during Cold Storage of 17 Edible Flowers

In this study, 17 edible flowers (Allium ursinum L., Borago officinalis Calendula Centaurea cyanus Cichorium intybus Dianthus carthusianorum Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Leucanthemum vulgare (Vaill.) Lam., Paeonia Primula veris Robinia pseudoacacia Rosa canina pendulina Salvia pratensis Sambucus nigra Taraxacum officinale Weber, and Tropaeolum majus L.) were investigated to assess their sensory profile at harvest shelf life bioactive compounds dynamics during cold storage. The emerging market of lacks information; thus, the characteristics requirements different flower species provided. detail, a quantitative descriptive analysis was performed by trained panelists harvest, evaluating 10 descriptors (intensity sweet, sour, bitter, salt, smell, specific aroma, herbaceous aroma; spiciness, chewiness, astringency). Flower visual quality, biologically active content (total polyphenols anthocyanins), antioxidant activity (FRAP, DPPH, ABTS assays) evaluated both storage 4 °C for 14 days life. Generally, had wide range peculiar phytochemical as well postharvest. A strong aroma indicated A. ursinum, D. carthusianorum, L. angustifolia, vulgare, while B. C. very low values all taste descriptors, resulting in poor profiles. At P. officinalis, R. canina, exhibited highest (884–1271 mg gallic acid equivalents per 100 g) (204–274 mmol Fe2+/kg FRAP, 132–232 43–58 µmol Trolox equivalent g DPPH ABTS). with longest terms acceptable quality (14 days), followed (10 days). All other lasted seven days, except T. that did not reach day 3. During storage, differed, total phenolics trend according anthocyanins remained almost unaltered days. Considering activity, least variable, varying only four (A. officinalis), FRAP varied eight species. Taken together, knowledge profiles, can provide information select suitable market.