Ludhiana, Sep 8, 2021 (Yes Punjab News)
Ms Pooja Bhatt, a Ph.D scholar of the Department of Food and Nutrition, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), has been conferred with “Best Oral Presentation” at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Golden Jubilee International Seminar on “Opportunities and Challenges in Food Processing Sector” for the paper entitled “Optimization of nutritional composition, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in broccoli (Brassica oleracea) microgreens using alternate drying techniques.”
The paper has been authored by Ms Pooja Bhatt and Drs Sonika Sharma, Kiran Grover, Savita Sharma, Ajmer Singh Dhatt and Khushdeep Dharni. The international seminar was organized by Community Science College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai on September 6, 2021.
Ms Bhatt is pursuing her Ph.D on the topic “Optimization of nutritional and biochemical composition and development of health foods-A study of microgreens” under the guidance of Dr Sonika Sharma, Associate Professor, Department of Food and Nutrition, PAU. Dr Sharma informed that Microgreens (seedling of vegetable and herbs) are gaining popularity as a new culinary ingredient due to their high nutrient content.
Microgreens contain significantly higher nutrients (Ca, Fe, Zn, Mg, K, ascorbic acid and β carotene), bioactive compounds (chlorophyll, total flavanoids and total phenols) and antioxidant activity as compared to their sprouts and mature counterparts.
Dr Kiran Grover, Principal Extension Scientist (Food and Nutrition) and Minor Advisor of the student, said that Microgreens owing to their high moisture content, are highly perishable. There is a need to prolong their shelf life using various techniques while retaining their nutritional quality, she added.
Mr Anirudh Tewari, Additional Chief Secretary (Development), Punjab and Vice-Chancellor, PAU; Dr Jaskaran Singh Mahal, Dean, Postgraduate Studies and Dr Sandeep Bains, Dean, College of Community Science, PAU, congratulated the team for this achievement.
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