How to improve the flavor and increase antioxidant content

Spanish scientists conducted a study on how to use a simple method to improve the flavor and boost the antioxidants in the berries of blueberry.

To improve the quality of the berries, in particular, to increase hardness and get more flavor without the use of complex and expensive technology possible. Researchers from the center IFAPA Seville and córdoba (Spain) showed that some varieties of blueberry reduction of the amount of irrigation water does not affect the quality of the product and in some cases even improves it.

In particular, it is studied that water deficit increases hardness, total sugar content and such beneficial for human health compounds, as antioxidants.

Savings in water consumption also means less impact on the environment by reducing the amounts of fertilizer which, according to experts, can pollute aquifers in growing areas.

During the research, scientists analyzed three varieties of blueberries grown in the province of Huelva. The amount of irrigation water was reduced by 20% from the required standard. It sets two objectives: to check which effects saving water has on the berries and reduce the amount of water and fertilizers, to minimize leakage into aquifers.

"Slimming water, we introduce the plant in a stressful situation. At the same time to obtain products that are grown in conditions of normal water supply is already a success. And if, in addition, we were able to improve some parameters of certain varieties – it's all good," said Jose Manuel Moreno Rojas (José Manuel Moreno Rojas) from the IFAPA, which deals with quality analysis.

The health benefits and taste

In another study, published in the journal Food Chemistry, said that while reducing irrigation increased the content of polyphenols – chemical compounds present in plants that have high antioxidant capacity.

The situation of water stress, such as reduced water, is a protective reaction of the plant, which produces more antioxidants. These compounds counteract the effect of free radicals – chemicals produced in the human body in relation to aging of cells or the appearance of certain diseases, such as cancer. Many studies show that a diet rich in polyphenols reduces the incidence of these processes and, in General, improves the quality of life.

The described method will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the savings of farmers and would promote a more friendly relation to the environment, at the same time, the end result will be tasty and useful berry blueberry.

Anna Ustymenko,

a member of the Club Sirius Agro Plant