Respiration Rate and Some Physicochemical Characteristics of Salicornia bigelovii as a Leafy Green Vegetable

Abstract

<em><em>Salicornia</em></em> is a valuable halophyte annual plant in the most species. This salinity tolerance plant that grows in salt water marshes are found all over the world. Since salinity is a major stress factor, <em>Salicornia</em> is a priceless edible vegetable, considered to be a favourable resource for cultivation in arid and semiarid coastal zones. However, the important thing is that its properties should be well known especially as a leafy vegetable. On the other hand,<em> Salicornia bigelovii </em>is a perishable vegetable, with short storage life under ambient conditions. Thus, knowing its characteristics can be a great help to preserve it longer. Accordingly, the physicochemical properties, chemical composition and respiration rate of <em>Salicornia biglovii </em>grown in Aq-Qalla Salinity Research Station, Golestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Iran were investigated in this paper. The results showed that the moisture content, t<em>otal soluble solids</em>content, pH, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid content, salinity content, respiration rate, maximum force, displacement, and color indices (L*, a*, b*) of <em>S. bigelovii</em> are 89.67%, 15.83%, 6.11, 0.05%, 0.03%, 56ds/m, 26.80 mgCO₂/kg.hr, 1.4 N, 1.47 mm, and 23.69, -6.77, 15.73, respectively. With respect to <em>S.bigelovii </em>plant as a leafy green vegetable, this plant is considered as a high respiration vegetable group.