Nasturtium flowers: a traditional vegetable rich in carotenoids

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the total carotenoid content and the carotenoid profile
of yellow, orange and red nasturtium flowers produced in an agroecological system in an
area destined to the traditional vegetables cultivation. Nasturtium is considered a traditional
vegetable, whose cultivation is carried out predominantly by family farmers. Therefore, it can
be cultivated in an agroecological system, being an option of food of high added value. The
nasturtium flowers were cultivated at Embrapa Vegetables. After harvesting, in natura and
freeze-dried flowers were evaluated for total carotenoid content by spectrophotometry and
carotenoid profile by high performance liquid chromatography. Nasturtium flowers proved to
be an excellent source of carotenoids, mainly lutein and zeaxanthin, important carotenoids for
vision. In addition, they can be considered as a source of pro-vitamin A carotenoids.