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Effects of preharvest lighting conditions on phenolic compounds and colour of radish microgreens: Cultivar-specific responses
ABSTRACT: This study examined how lighting conditions (White, or a combination of Red+Blue LEDs; and supplemental UV-C: 0, 1 or 3 applications) and cultiva
Marta Silva, Diego A. Moreno, Raúl Domínguez‐Perles, Olga Viegas, Miguel A. Faria, S.M.P. Carvalho, Isabel M.P.L.V.O. Ferreira
Food Bioscience · 2025 · https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2025.107178
Abstract
ABSTRACT: This study examined how lighting conditions (White, or a combination of Red+Blue LEDs; and supplemental UV-C: 0, 1 or 3 applications) and cultivars (Daikon, Red Rambo) affected the colour, total phenolics content, antioxidant activity and individual polyphenols of radish microgreens ( Raphanus sativus L.) in a sustainable vertical farming system, as well as the implications for polyphenolic intake, connecting agronomic practices with consumption. Light treatments preserved the visual appearance of all cultivars (ΔE < 4.4), maintaining market acceptance. Individual compounds varied slightly between cultivars, along with their responses the different lighting conditions. Considering 100 g fresh microgreens, Red Rambo provided higher levels of polyphenols (155 – 188 mg 100 g -1 ) than Daikon (113 – 127 mg 100 g -1 ), as well as higher antioxidant activity and total phenolics content, irrespective of growing light conditions. The choice of LED light during cultivation also significantly impacted polyphenolic levels: generally, White LEDs, optimized with 1 application of UV-C, favoured phenolic production in Daikon, while Red+Blue LEDs were more effective for Red Rambo regardless of UV-C. Sinapoyl malate was the most abundant compound in both cultivars. Red Rambo also provide complex anthocyanins, whose levels (69 – 80 mg 100 g -1 total anthocyanins) are enhanced by Red+Blue LEDs, making this cultivar grown under this LED combination a particularly appealing option with greater potential health benefits. These findings highlight the value of microgreens amid growing consumer interest, as sustainable, visually appealing, and bioactive compound-rich foods that support daily vegetable intake.
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How to credit this work
Marta Silva; Diego A. Moreno; Raúl Domínguez‐Perles; Olga Viegas; Miguel A. Faria; S.M.P. Carvalho; Isabel M.P.L.V.O. Ferreira (2025). Effects of preharvest lighting conditions on phenolic compounds and colour of radish microgreens: Cultivar-specific responses. Food Bioscience. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2025.107178 Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Hosted by EVEC Athens (microgreens.org.gr). No changes were made to this article. Provided as-is, without warranties. EVEC Athens is not affiliated with, and this copy is not endorsed by, the authors or the publisher.
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