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Microbiological quality of microgreen seeds purchased from online vendors and evaluating seed decontamination techniques available online
This study aimed to assess the microbiological quality of microgreen seeds purchased online, including the levels of total aerobic plate counts (APC), Esch
Thalia Guadalupe Ocho Bernal, Nathan Lyttle, Yangjin Jung
Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · 2023 · https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2023.1264472
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the microbiological quality of microgreen seeds purchased online, including the levels of total aerobic plate counts (APC), Escherichia coli /coliforms, mold & yeast, and the presence of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes . Additionally, seed decontamination practices commonly found online were evaluated, involving soaking in water only (SDW), 3% hydrogen peroxide (H), and a “poor man’s solution” (HV; a mixture of 3% hydrogen peroxide and 5% acidity white vinegar with water), with or without heat treatment at 50 and 60°C for 20 and 40 h. The effectiveness of these treatments was evaluated using Amaranth (AM), Borage (BO), and Carrot (CA) seeds in reducing Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms, and mold & yeast, along with examining the germination rate. A total of 102 samples composed of 14 species were purchased from online vendors, and the microbial levels tested were significantly different among the seed species ( p < 0.05). Among the species, BO, CA, and Onion (ON) seeds exhibited the highest APC levels (4.99–5.37 log CFU/g), which was significantly higher than the APC of Arugula, Cabbage, Mustard, Kale, and Pea seeds ( p < 0.05). The coliform population of BO (3.77 ± 0.68 log CFU/g) was significantly higher than in other species. The 10-min soaking of AM, BO, and CA in H significantly reduced the microbial levels ( p < 0.05), and the subsequent heat treatment at 60°C for 20 h further enhanced microbial reduction (total 1.2–3.4 log reduction by heat and soaking). The germination rates were not significantly affected by the different treatment combinations ( p > 0.05). This study provides scientifically-validated data for small-scale and home growers to ensure the safety and improve the quality of microgreens.
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How to credit this work
Thalia Guadalupe Ocho Bernal; Nathan Lyttle; Yangjin Jung (2023). Microbiological quality of microgreen seeds purchased from online vendors and evaluating seed decontamination techniques available online. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2023.1264472 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.
Explore this on our site
- How to grow it: Amaranth microgreens — growing guide
- How to grow it: Arugula microgreens — growing guide
- How to grow it: Chia microgreens — growing guide
- How to grow it: Kale microgreens — growing guide
- Related reading: International sanitary guidelines for the planting and distribution of microgreens and sprouts
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Co-funded by the European Union.
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