Cultivation, nutritional, antinutritional, and mineral analysis of organic and non-organic Momordica charantia: Comparative study

Abstract

Introduction: Organic agriculture is one among the different production methods that are supportive to the environment. The demand for organic food is increasing rapidly both in the developed as well as developing countries. Aim: To examine the morpho-physiological traits, nutrition and mineral composition of comparative cultivated organic and non-organic Momordica charantia. Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out in randomized block design with 12 replications using organic and non-organic fertilizers and pesticides. The unripe fruits harvested; lyophilized and whole fruits were screened for nutritional, antinutritional, physico-chemical, and mineral (by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy) analysis. Results: The mean performances of all the traits were higher in organic fruits of MC (OMC) except the average weight of the fruits. Nutritional analysis revealed an elevated caloric value (332.62 kcal/100 g DW) in OMC fruits. Similarly, higher values for total bitters, vitamin C, and mineral contents (K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Na, Zn, Cu, and Mn) were also observed in OMC. In contrast, non-organic fruits of MC (NMC) contained a higher content of total ash, extractives, and toxic heavy metals (Pd, Cd - 2.23, 0.15 mg/100 g DW, respectively). Conclusion: The perception is proved by the scientific justification that organically grown foods or medicinal herbs are “better for you” in terms of nourishment, sustainability, better quality standards, and safety measures