Soilless cultivation systems to produce tailored microgreens for specific nutritional needs.

BACKGROUND: The awareness of the importance of following dietary recommendations that meet specific biological requirements related to an individual's health status has significantly increased interest in personalized nutrition. The aim of this research was to test agronomic protocols based on soilless cultivation for providing consumers with new dietary sources of iodine (I), as well as alternative vegetable products to limit dietary potassium (K) intake; proposed cultivation techniques were evaluated according to their suitability to obtain such products without compromising agronomic performance. RESULTS: Two independent experiments, focused on I and K respectively, were conducted in a commercial greenhouse specializing in soilless production. Four different species were cultivated using three distinct concentrations of I (0, 1.5 and 3 mg L-1 ) and K (0, 60 and 120 mg L-1 ). Microgreens grown in I-rich nutrient solution accumulate more I, and the increase is dose-dependent. Compared to unbiofortified microgreens, the treatments with 1.5 and 3 mg L-1 of I resulted in 4.5 and 14 times higher I levels, respectively. Swiss chard has the highest levels of K (14 096 mg kg-1 of FW), followed by rocket, pea and radish. In radish, rocket and Swiss chard, a total reduction of K content in the nutrient solution (0 mg L-1 ) resulted in an average reduction of 45% in K content. CONCLUSION: It is possible to produce I-biofortified microgreens to address I deficiency, and K-reduced microgreens for chronic kidney disease-affected people. Species selection is crucial to customize nutritional profiles according to specific dietary requirements due to substantial mineral content variations across different species. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Influence of cultivation sites on sterol, nitrate, total phenolic contents and antioxidant activity in endive and stem chicory edible products.

Chicories produce a wide range of vegetables with important nutritional value. We determined the variation of sterol, total polyphenol, nitrate contents and antioxidant capacity (SC, TPC, NC, AC) in endive leaves and stem-chicory novel vegetables, cultivated in two Italian regions. Within a given area, the SC was similar in smooth- and curly leafed endives (106.3-176.0 mg/kg FW); sitosterol and stigmasterol were major fractions (45-56 versus 38-43%). The stem SC was independent of landrace (101.5-118.6 mg/kg FW); sitosterol prevailed on stigmasterol and fucosterol (73-76 versus 12-14% versus 8-9%); the latter reached 15.7 mg/kg FW, conferring value as potential antidiabetes food. The planting site affected the AC and TPC of endives (893.1-1571.4 µmTE/100 g FW, 30.8-76.1 GAE100/g FW) and chicory stems (729.8-1152.5 µmTE/100 g FW; 56.2-124.4 GAE100/g FW), while the NC was recurrently below dangerous thresholds. PCA showed that environment was the major cause of variation, though it modestly affected these parameters.

Silicon biofortification of leafy vegetables and its bioaccessibility in the edible parts.

BACKGROUND: The mineral silicon (Si) is an essential element for humans and a general component of the diet found mainly in plant-based foods. The aim of this study was to obtain Si biofortificated leafy vegetables (tatsoi, mizuna, purslane, basil, Swiss chard, and chicory) to use for the fresh-cut products (ready to use). For the production of biofortified plants, a floating system with 0, 50 and 100 mg L(-1) of Si in nutrient solution, was used. In addition, the assessment of bioaccessibility of biofortified plants, by in vitro gastro-digestion process, was performed. RESULTS: The added silicon in nutrient solution did not influence yield and colour of vegetables but a species-related accumulation of Si (expressed as SiO2) was found: from 18 to 69 mg kg(-1) fresh weight (FW) in tatsoi, from 19 to 106 mg kg(-1) FW in mizuna, from 15 to 93 mg kg(-1) FW in purslane, from 41 to 294 mg kg(-1) FW in basil, from 17 to 76 mg kg(-1) FW in Swiss chard, and from 23 to 76 mg kg(-1) FW in chicory. The Si became bioaccessible in all species considered in a range from 23% (basil) to 64% (chicory). CONCLUSION: The application of Si to the nutrient solution in the range of 50-100 mg L(-1) allows biofortification of leafy vegetables. In addition, the biofortified vegetables showed, on average, more bioaccessible Si, with respect to unbiofortified vegetables.

Quality evaluation of cook-chilled chicory stems (Cichorium intybus L., Catalogna group) by conventional and sous vide cooking methods.

BACKGROUND: Chicory stems, appreciated both raw and cooked, represent a nutritious and refined food. In this study the effects on the quality of stems cooked by conventional (boiling, steaming and microwaving) and innovative (sous vide) methods were analysed. Several physical, chemical and sensory traits were compared using two local varieties (Galatina and Molfettese) of southern Italy (Puglia region). RESULTS: Independently of the variety, the sous vide method did not significantly affect (redness, yellowness and hue angle) or had the least impact on (lightness and total colour difference) quality parameters among the four methods as compared with the raw product. Following sensory analysis, the sous vide product always showed the highest score among the cooking methods. Moreover, this innovative method did not affect total phenol (TP) content and antioxidant activity (AA) compared with uncooked stems of both varieties. Microwaving increased TP content and AA (though associated with higher weight loss), while different responses depending on the chicory variety were observed after boiling and steaming. CONCLUSION: The results indicate the sous vide technique as optimal to preserve several traits, including organoleptic ones, for the quality of cook-chilled chicory stems. They also provide product-specific information usually required for cooking process strategies in the industrial sector of ready-to-eat vegetables.

Marketability of ready-to-eat cactus pear as affected by temperature and modified atmosphere.

In order to increase the diffusion of cactus pear fruits, in this study, the proper maturity index for peeling and processing them as ready-to-eat product was evaluated and characterized. Thereafter, the effects of different storage temperatures and modified atmosphere conditions on the marketability of ready-to-eat cactus pear were studied. The storage of ready-to-eat fruits at 4 °C in both passive (air) and semi-active (10 kPa O2 and 10 kPa CO2) modified atmosphere improved the marketability by 30%, whereas the storage at 8 °C caused a dangerous reduction in O2 partial pressure inside modified atmosphere packages, due to fruits' increased metabolic activity. A very low level of initial microbial growth was detected, while a severe increase in mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria was shown in control samples at both temperatures during storage; an inhibitory effect of modified atmosphere on microbial growth was also observed. In conclusion, modified atmosphere improved only the marketability of fruits stored at 4 °C; whereas the storage at 8 °C resulted in deleterious effects on the ready-to-eat fruits, whether stored in air or in modified atmosphere.

Soilless biofortification, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability: Signposts on the path to personalized nutrition.

Propelled by an ever-growing awareness about the importance of following dietary recommendations meeting specific biological requirements linked to a person health status, interest in personalized nutrition is on the rise. Soilless biofortification of vegetables has opened the door to the potential for adapting vegetable production to specific dietary requirements. The evolution of vegetables biofortification toward tailored food is examined focusing on some specific categories of people in a context of personalized nutrition instead to simple describe developments in vegetables biofortification with reference to the single element or compound not adequately present in the daily diet. The concepts of bioavailability and bioaccessibility as a useful support tool for the precision biofortification were detailed. Key prospects for challenges ahead aiming to combine product quality and sustainable are also highlighted. Hydroponically cultivation of vegetables with low potassium content may be effective to obtain tailored leafy and fruit vegetable products for people with impaired kidney function. Simultaneous biofortification of calcium, silicon, and boron in the same vegetable to obtain vegetable products useful for bone health deserve further attention. The right dosage of the lithium in the nutrient solution appears essential to obtain tailored vegetables able to positively influence mental health in groups of people susceptible to mental illness. Modulate nitrogen fertilization may reduce or enhance nitrate in vegetables to obtain tailored products, respectively, for children and athletes. Future research are needed to produce nickel-free vegetable products for individuals sensitized to nickel. The multidisciplinary approach toward tailored foods is a winning one and must increasingly include a synergy between agronomic, biological, and medical skills.

Enhancing the nutritional value of Portulaca oleracea L. by using soilless agronomic biofortification with zinc.

Zinc (Zn) plays a crucial role for human health. Zn deficiency is a common problem worldwide, causing health problems specifically related with detrimental effects on immune system. In this study we used hydroponic floating system and nutrient solutions (NS) with different levels of Zn (0.13 - control, 1.3, 2.6 and 5.2 mg/L Zn) in order to test a biofortification process aimed to increase the Zn tissue content of two different varieties (commercial and wild) of purslane. We evaluated the effects of the treatments on yield, visual and overall nutritional quality of the edible part of plants. Biofortification treatments did not affect plant yield, but increased the Zn content in the edible part of purslane by 1.8, 2.3 and 2.7-fold, respectively with 1.3, 2.6 and 5.2 mg/L Zn in the NS, so that the consumption of a serving portion of 150 g of baby leaf purslane biofortified with the highest Zn concentration would account for 21% of RDA (recommended daily allowance) for this nutrient. The Zn biofortification process did not affect colour parameters, therefore no differences in the product visual quality were observed. Zn treatment with 5.2 mg/L allowed to obtain an increase in neoxanthin, lutein and ß-carotene, while it was not possible to outline a common trend for the fatty acids profile in relation to the Zn treatments. The consumption of hydroponic purslane biofortified with Zn may allow to improve the Zn nutritional status of consumers, and provides different important phytochemicals, such as carotenoids and unsaturated fatty acids.

Ongoing Research on Microgreens: Nutritional Properties, Shelf-Life, Sustainable Production, Innovative Growing and Processing Approaches.

Microgreens garner immense potential for improving the nutritional value of the human diet, considering their high content of healthy compounds. On the other hand, they are gaining more and more interest not only for their nutritional value but also for their interesting organoleptic traits and commercial potential. The purpose of this Special Issue is to publish high-quality research papers with the aim to cover the state-of-the-art, recent progress and perspectives related to production, post-harvest, characterization, and potential of microgreens. A broad range of aspects such as cultivation, post-harvest techniques and packaging, analytical methods, nutritional value, bioaccessibily and prospects are covered. All contributions are of significant relevance and could stimulate further research in this area.

The Use of a Nutrient Quality Score is Effective to Assess the Overall Nutritional Value of Three Brassica Microgreens.

Microgreens have immense potential for improving dietary patterns, but little information is available regarding their overall nutritional value. We evaluated the nutritional traits of three hydroponically grown Brassica microgreens by using a Nutrient Quality Score. Micro cauliflower, micro broccoli and micro broccoli raab were grown using nutrient solutions with three different NH4:NO3 molar ratios (5:95, 15:85, and 25:75). Protein, dietary fiber, ß-carotene, α-tocopherol and mineral elements (Ca, K, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Na) were analyzed. We developed the Nutrient Quality Score (NQS 11.1) on the basis of 11 desirable nutrients and 1 nutrient (sodium) to be limited. All Brassica microgreens are an excellent source of Vitamins A and E (more than 20% of the daily reference value-DRV), as well as a good source of calcium and manganese (10-19% of the DRV). Micro cauliflower showed a NQS 11.1 at 47% higher than micro broccoli raab and micro broccoli. Using NH4:NO3 25:75 molar ratio, the average score was 27% higher than other molar ratios. In all cases, the microgreens in the present study showed a higher NQS 11.1 than their mature counterpart (on the basis of data from the United States Department of Agriculture), highlighting that the score of micro cauliflower was about six-fold higher than mature cauliflower. In conclusion, the NQS 11.1 was useful for assessing the overall nutritional quality of the three Brassica microgreens, instead of simply quantifying nutrient content, in order to compare a single nutrient among different genotypes. Furthermore, the results highlight that the micro broccoli raab, micro broccoli and micro cauliflower in this study can be considered nutrient-rich vegetables that are able to improve dietary patterns more effectively than their mature counterparts.

Barattiere: An Italian Local Variety of Cucumis melo L. with Quality Traits between Melon and Cucumber.

Barattiere, belonging to the Cucumis melo L. species, is a local variety of Puglia (Southern Italy), which is consumed as a vegetable at the immature stage, like cucumber. In this study, three Barattiere populations ('Monopoli', 'Carovigno' and 'Fasano') were evaluated for the main quality traits. All genotypes showed a very light green-yellow colour of flesh, without any difference regarding chlorophyll and carotenoid contents. Carovigno's Barattiere showed the highest values of dry weight (6.8 g 100 g-1 fresh weight - FW), sugars (45 g kg-1 FW), and sweetness index (7.3), while Monopoli's Barattiere showed the lowest total phenols content (21 mg kg-1 FW). Fasano's Barattiere showed the highest content of Zn and Cu (2.3 and 0.3 mg kg-1 FW, respectively), while 'Monopoli' showed the highest Ba content (0.3 mg kg-1 FW) and the lowest Mg content (94 mg kg-1 FW). No differences between populations were found concerning the content of Ca, K, Na, B, Mn, and Fe. In conclusion, the quality profile of Barattiere makes this local genotype interesting for its traits, and also suggests its consumption by people with specific dietary requirements.

Setup of an Extraction Method for the Analysis of Carotenoids in Microgreens.

Microgreens are gaining increasing interest as a potential functional food due to their relevant contents of micronutrients and bioactive compounds, including carotenoids. Nevertheless, the analysis of carotenoids is inherently difficult, due to their thermal and chemical susceptibility, as well as to their varying polarity. From this point of view, extraction is the most critical step, compared to chromatographic separation and detection. Thus, the reliability of data on carotenoids should be guaranteed by a constant focus on analytical issues, with appropriate adaptations to each sample matrix. In this research, a specific extraction procedure for the analysis of carotenoids in microgreens was developed. Solvent composition, extraction time, solvent/sample ratio, and repeated extractions were evaluated. The obtained protocol showed recovery of 97.2%, limits of quantitation of 5.2 µg·g-1 for lutein and 15.9 µg·g-1 for ß-carotene, as well as intra-day mean repeatability of 5.7% and inter-day mean repeatability of 4.7%.

Yield and Quality Characteristics of Brassica Microgreens as Affected by the NH4:NO3 Molar Ratio and Strength of the Nutrient Solution.

Microgreens are gaining more and more interest, but little information is available on the effects of the chemical composition of the nutrient solution on the microgreen yield. In this study, three Brassica genotypes (B. oleracea var. italica, B. oleracea var. botrytis, and Brassica rapa L. subsp. sylvestris L. Janch. var. esculenta Hort) were fertigated with three modified strength Hoagland nutrient solutions (1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 strength) or with three modified half-strength Hoagland nutrient solutions with three different NH4:NO3 molar ratios (5:95, 15:85, and 25:75). Microgreen yields and content of inorganic ions, dietary fiber, proteins, α-tocopherol, and ß-carotene were evaluated. Micro cauliflower showed the highest yield, as well as a higher content of mineral elements and α-tocopherol (10.4 mg 100 g-1 fresh weight (FW)) than other genotypes. The use of nutrient solution at half strength gave both a high yield (0.23 g cm-2) and a desirable seedling height. By changing the NH4:NO3 molar ratio in the nutrient solution, no differences were found on yield and growing parameters, although the highest ß-carotene content (6.3 mg 100 g-1 FW) was found by using a NH4:NO3 molar ratio of 25:75. The lowest nitrate content (on average 6.8 g 100 g-1 dry weight) was found in micro broccoli and micro broccoli raab by using a nutrient solution with NH4:NO3 molar ratios of 25:75 and 5:95, respectively. Micro cauliflower fertigated with a NH4:NO3 molar ratio of 25:75 showed the highest dry matter (9.8 g 100 g-1 FW) and protein content (4.2 g 100 g-1 FW).

From by-Product to Unconventional Vegetable: Preliminary Evaluation of Fresh Fava Hulls Highlights Richness in L-Dopa and Low Content of Anti-Nutritional Factor.

Faba bean hulls are a by-product, generated from the processing of beans and usually disposed of as waste, utilized in some recipes of Italian traditional cuisine. In this research, a quality evaluation of faba hulls in six genotypes (four local varieties-'Cegliese', 'Iambola', 'San Francesco' and 'FV5'-and two commercial ones-'Aguadulce supersimonia' and 'Extra-early purple') of faba bean (Vicia faba L. var. major Harz) for fresh consumption grown with two plant densities (4.16 and 2.08 plants m-2) was carried out. For all the measured parameters, the statistical analysis reveals that the interaction between plant density and genotype was not significant. On the other hand, independently of the genotype, the higher the plant's density the higher was the pods' yield per unit area, while the average percentage of hulls was of 75% with little differences between genotypes. All genotypes showed a low content of vicine (12.4 mg 100 g-1 FW), a well know favism-inducing factor, and a very high phenols content (between 443 and 646 mg 100 g-1 FW) and levo-dihydroxy phenylalanine (L-dopa-on average 170 mg 100 g-1 FW), used for the treatment of patients affected by Parkinson's disease. In conclusion, this study highlights the good potential of faba hulls as unconventional vegetable, suggesting its use as a new functional food in the daily diet and also for patients with Parkinson's disease.

Living Mulch and Organic Fertilization to Improve Weed Management, Yield and Quality of Broccoli Raab in Organic Farming.

Living mulch gives many benefits to agro-ecosystems such as erosion control, nitrogen fixation and nutrient recycling, increasing of organic matter, weed and pest control, and increasing of soil organism. The experiment, carried out in Puglia, Southern Italy on transplanted broccoli raab (cv. Grossa fasanese), evaluated four soil management systems (SMSs): Trifolium subterraneum and T. repens used as living mulch, undisturbed weedy, and conventional tillage. For each SMS, four rates of nitrogen and phosphorous (NP0, NP1, NP2, and NP3) were supplied, using an organic fertilizer. The following data were collected: weed infestation, leaf chlorophyll in the plants (as SPAD units), weight, diameter, and colour of the inflorescences, anion and Mg, Fe, Na, K, Ca content. Fertilization showed prominent effects on most of parameters evaluated. The Sufficient Index of broccoli raab plants was higher in fertilized plots. With the increasing of fertilization rates, weight of primary inflorescences and the marketable yield linearly increased, confirming the great influence of nitrogen fertilization on the yield of Brassicaceae vegetables and highlighting the importance of combining living mulch and fertilization. By increasing fertilization rates, some elements, such as Mg and Fe, increased, whereas a decrease of Na, K, and Ca was observed. The nitrate content in the inflorescences was different only between the fertilized and unfertilized plots, although it was very low. In NP2 and NP3 a greener colour was found. Living mulch did not clearly affect quality and yield of broccoli raab but was effective in weed control. Results show the positive effects of living mulch and organic fertilization in the sustainable production of broccoli raab.

Characterization of dried and freeze-dried sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) samples with headspace gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry and evaluation of an electronic nose discrimination potential.

Processed samples (air-dried @ 40 and @ 60 °C and freeze-dried) of sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.), an autochthonous spice with interesting market potential, were analyzed by headspace gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry and classification capabilities of an electronic nose in discriminating between samples with stepwise forward statistics were evaluated as well. Freeze-drying process was the most preservative in terms of limiting darkening without compromising appearance of the final product, providing weight loss of about 85% and water activity below the limit for mold growth issues. Headspace analysis of samples highlighted the presence of 35 volatiles grouped as terpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated terpenes, sesquiterpen hydrocarbons, phenyl propanoids, not-terpenic aldehydes and not-terpenic ketones. Correlations emerged between selected sensors and some detected volatile organic compounds. Stepwise linear discriminant analysis and simple K-nearest neighbors obtained a 100% overall correct classification rate in cross-validation of the electronic nose in classifying samples, whereas stepwise quadratic discriminant analysis and Naive-Bayes gave 93.3%. The sea fennel could be a new interesting spice to launch in the food market and the electronic nose showed the potential to be used in monitoring the industrial process aimed at extending its shelf-life.

Iodine Biofortification of Four Brassica Genotypes is Effective Already at Low Rates of Potassium Iodate.

The use of iodine-biofortified vegetables may be a health alternative instead of iodine-biofortified salt for preventing iodine (I) deficiency and related human disorders. In this study, four Brassica genotypes (broccoli raab, curly kale, mizuna, red mustard) were hydroponically grown with three I-IO3- rates (0, 0.75 and 1.5 mg/L) to produce iodine-biofortified vegetables. Crop performances and quality traits were analyzed; iodine content was measured on raw, boiled, and steamed vegetables. The highest I rate generally increased I content in all Brassica genotypes, without plants toxicity effects in terms of reduced growth or morphological symptoms. After 21 day-iodine biofortification, the highest I content (49.5 µg/100 g Fresh Weight (FW)) was reached in broccoli raab shoots, while after 43 day-iodine biofortification, genotype differences were flattened and the highest I content (66 µg/100 g FW, on average) was obtained using 1.5 mg I-IO3/L. Nitrate content (ranging from 1800 to 4575 mg/kg FW) was generally higher with 0.75 mg I-IO3/L, although it depended on genotypes. Generally, boiling reduced iodine content, while steaming increased or left it unchanged, depending on genotypes. Applying low levels of I proved to be suitable, since it could contribute to the partial intake of the recommended dose of 150 µg/day: A serving size of 100 g may supply on average 24% of the recommended dose. Cooking method should be chosen in order to preserve and/or enhance the final I amount.

Rapid multi-element characterization of microgreens via total-reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry.

Microgreens are an emerging class of vegetables, which have become increasingly important in the agri-food market in recent years, and contain a number of macro- and micro-nutrients. This paper presents a rapid method for the elemental analysis of microgreens based on total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectroscopy, without preliminary sample digestion. The following elements were detected and quantified simultaneously for six microgreen genotypes, belonging to Asteraceae and Brassicaceae: P, S, K, Ca, Cl, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr. The limit of detection (LOD) varied depending on the element and ranged between 0.1 mg kg-1 for Sr and 42 mg kg-1 for P. The method was validated using certified standards, and results compared with those obtained using a conventional ICP-AES method requiring sample digestion. The paper also presents the advantages and disadvantages of the two techniques.

Insights into sucrose pathway of chicory stems by integrative transcriptomic and metabolic analyses.

The worldwide-cultivated chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) produces food and beneficial compounds, and young pre-flowering inflorescence stems are newly marketed vegetables. These sink-organs undergo growth by metabolizing sugars of leaf origin; the carbohydrate content and sweetness are crucial aspects for consumers' nutrition and acceptance. NMR profiling of 31 hydrosoluble phytochemicals showed that stem contents varied as influenced by genotype, environment and interaction, and that higher sucrose levels were associated with the sweeter of two landraces. Integrative analyses of metabolic and transcriptomic profile variations allowed the dissection of sucrose pathway. Overall, 427 and 23 unigenes respectively fell into the categories of sucrose metabolism and sugar carriers. Among 10 differentially expressed genes, the 11474/sucrose synthase, 53458/fructokinase, 9306 and 17035/hexokinases, and 20171/SWEET-type genes significantly associated to sugar content variation, and deduced proteins were characterised in silico. Correlation analyses encompassing sugar level variation, expressions of the former genes and of computationally assigned transcription factors (10938/NAC, 14712/bHLH, 40133/TALE and 17846/MIKC) revealed a gene network. The latter was minimally affected by the environment and accomplished with markers, representing a resource for biological studies and breeding.

Morphological and Chemical Profile of Three Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Landraces of A Semi-Arid Mediterranean Environment.

Puglia (Southern Italy), particularly rich in tomato agro-biodiversity, can be considered a typical region of the semi-arid Mediterranean environments. In this study, three local varieties of tomato (Manduria, Giallo di Crispiano and Regina) were characterized by using morphological descriptors according to international standards. Chemical (isoprenoids, ascorbic acid, total phenols, sugars and mineral content) and agronomic assessment were carried out to highlight the specific traits of these local varieties well adapted to a semi-arid environment. Data of morphological traits according to the "International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants" (UPOV) guideline evidenced a clear distinctness among all three landraces, especially as regards fruits. Results also highlighted that a great part of variation in chemical traits was almost exclusively due to genotypes, while in a few cases observed differences resulted from the interaction between genotype and harvest time. The results of the present study may represent the first step toward the recognition of "conservation variety" status for Regina, Giallo di Crispiano and Manduria tomato landraces. At the same time, both quality traits and agronomic performance of these tomato genotypes suggest the possibility of their cultivation in other semi-arid environments also considering their quality traits, in view of a sustainable production.

Reviewing the Prospects of Sea Fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) as Emerging Vegetable Crop.

Sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.), a perennial halophyte typical of coastal habits, is well known for several food and non-food uses. This review presents both the characteristics and ethnobotany as well as the findings, technical advances and potential of sea fennel research with the aim to improve and disseminate knowledge regarding the value and potentials of this halophyte. Current knowledge suggest that sea fennel shows good potential as an emerging crop, being a refined food and also an interesting source of human health compounds and crop protection products. Moreover, sea fennel may be proposed as an alternative and sustainable cash crop also in the context of a saline agriculture regime. On the other hand, some aspects of sea fennel require further understanding; therefore, new research and development activities should be carried out before full commercial exploitation.