Edible halophytes of the Mediterranean basin: Potential candidates for novel food products

Publication date: Available online 12 February 2018 Source:Trends in Food Science & Technology Author(s): S.A. Petropoulos, A. Karkanis, N. Martins, I.C.F.R. Ferreira Background Recent trends in the food science industry and consumers’ preferences for diversified diets suggest the consumption of wild greens not only as diet complements but also as healthy and functional foods for targeted conditions, rendering its commercial cultivation of major importance in order to avoid irrational gathering and genetic erosion threats. The Mediterranean basin abounds in wild edible species which have been used for food and medicinal purposes by human throughout the centuries. Many of these species can be found near coastal areas and usually grow under saline conditions, while others can adapt in various harsh conditions including high salinity. Scope and approach The aim of this review focuses on listing and describing the most important halophyte species that traditionally have been gathered by rural communities of the Mediterranean basin, while special interest will be given on their chemical composition and health promoting components. Cases of commercially cultivated halophytes will be also presented to highlight their potential as alternative cash crops, while results from in vitro and in vivo health effects will be presented. Key findings and conclusions The recent literature has provided useful information regarding the potential of wild halophytes as promising in...
Source: Trends in Food Science and Technology - Category: Food Science Source Type: research