Evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of vegetable waste from a wholesale market in Chile

Abstract

Consumption of vegetables is associated with lower risks of cancer, diabetes, coronary diseases and obesity, but parts of vegetables such as the peels, stems and leaves are not valued, which increases waste and impacts the environment. The aim of the present study was to determine the antioxidant capacity of the leaves and stems of celery, broccoli and beet discarded from the patios of the Lo Valledor Wholesale Market, the main fruit and vegetable distribution center in Santiago, Chile. The leaves and stems were separated to analyze total polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity (ORAC). The total polyphenol contents in celery, broccoli and beet leaves were 155.5, 144.7 and 117.1 mg EAG 100 g^-1 mta, respectively, while in the stems, they were between 22.7, 41.4 and 69.3 mg EAG 100 g^-1 mta, respectively. Similarly, the leaves showed higher antioxidant capacity than the stems. The ORAC for celery, broccoli and beet stems was 2,325.2, 2,098.1 and 1,756.5 μmol TE 100 g^-1 mta, respectively, while for stems, it was 317.8, 625.1 and 970.2 μmol TE 100 g^-1 mta, respectively. The antioxidant capacity of the leaves and stems of celery, beets and broccoli suggest that they are healthy eating options and that their valorization should be considered.