Mineral profile in the floral stem of some globe artichoke cultivars

The globe artichoke could represent a valuable source of nutritional compounds (e.g., polyphenols and minerals). In literature it is documented that the capitulum, including bracts, is characterized by a high content of minerals, whereas no systemic studies on the variation of mineral content are available about the floral stem, that, if properly prepared, is edible as well. Hence, this work aimed to evaluate the content of some essential macro-minerals (Ca, K, Mg, Na) and micro-minerals (Cu, Fe, Mn) in the floral stems of five globe artichoke cultivars ('Blanc Hyèrois', 'Harmony F1', 'Madrigal F1', 'Tempo F1' and 'Tondo di Paestum'), cultivated across two seasons (2006-2007 and 2007-2008) in Sicily (South Italy). Among the macro-minerals here studied, K was that with the highest concentration (21.5 g kg-1 of dry matter), while Fe was the most abundant micro-mineral (36.6 mg kg-1 of dry matter) as compared to Cu and Mn (6.6 and 5.0 mg kg-1 of dry matter, respectively). Among cultivars, floral stems of 'Tempo F1' had the highest K and Cu levels, while those of 'Tondo di Paestum' and 'Madrigal F1' were the richest in Mn and Fe, respectively. Regards to season, a general trend towards a higher macro and micromineral content in the 2006-2007 growing season was found, though cultivar influence was noticeable. In conclusion, our data suggest the possibility to promote the consumption of globe artichoke floral stem as a good source of macro and micro-minerals. In particular, its low Na/K ratio could help people affected by hypertension and prevent cardiovascular diseases, especially in the Mediterranean Basin area where the globe artichoke is widely consumed.