Sensory analysis of calcium biofortified lettuce
Vegetables represent an attractive means of providing increased calcium (Ca) nutrition to the public. Herein we demonstrate that lettuce expressing the deregulated Arabidopsis H+/Ca2+ transporter sCAX1 (Cation Exchanger 1) contained 25-32% more Ca than controls. These biofortified lettuce lines were fertile and demonstrated robust growth in the greenhouse growth conditions. Using a panel of highly trained descriptive panelists, we evaluated the biofortified lettuce and determined no significant differences could be detected in flavor, bitterness or crispness, when compared to controls. Sensory analysis studies are critical if claims are to be made regarding efficacy of biofortified foods and may be an important component in public acceptance of genetically modified foods.
Reference Information:
Park, S., Elless, M.P., Park, J., Jenkins, A., Lim, W., Chambers, E. IV, and Hirschi, K. 2009. Sensory analysis of calcium biofortified lettuce. Plant Biotechnol. J. 7: 106-117.
This entry was posted on Monday, September 21st, 2009. It is filed under Human Nutrition and is tagged with biofortified, calcium, descriptive, flavor, lettuce, sensory.