Summary
This laboratory study analysed antioxidant activities in 927 freeze-dried vegetable samples spanning 13 species using two widely used assays: ORAC and FRAP. The findings demonstrate that antioxidant values are substantially influenced by vegetable species, geographical provenance, and harvest timing, and that ORAC and FRAP yield different activity trends. The authors conclude that ORAC is chemically more relevant for measuring chain-breaking antioxidant activity, whilst FRAP has limitations including potential interference, kinetic issues, and quantitation challenges.
Regional applicability
This methodology study establishes comparative assay approaches applicable to vegetable assessment globally, including the United Kingdom. However, the findings regarding geographical origin and harvest time variation underscore that UK-grown vegetables may exhibit different antioxidant profiles than those measured here, necessitating region-specific analysis for accurate nutrient profiling of domestically produced commodities.
Key measures
Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC); ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP); antioxidant activity values stratified by vegetable species, geographical origin, and harvest time
Outcomes reported
The study measured and compared antioxidant activities of 927 freeze-dried vegetable samples using ORAC and FRAP assays, evaluating how vegetable species, geographical origin, and harvest time influence antioxidant values. The analysis revealed differences between the two assay methods and identified vegetables with the highest antioxidant activity against peroxyl radicals.
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