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Color-associated metabolic divergence and nutritional variation in colored cauliflower curds
Difei Wang1, Meijiao Lu2, Zitong Zhao2
1College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
Abstract:
Cauliflower curd color influences nutritional quality and consumer preference. Using non-targeted metabolomics, we profiled four cultivars (white, green, yellow, gold). White curds accumulated more soluble sugars, while colored curds showed elevated tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates and secondary metabolites. Green curds were enriched for chlorophyll-associated amino acids, sulforaphane and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), whereas yellow/gold curds accumulated more flavonoids and phenolic acids. These metabolic differences were linked to enhanced antioxidant potential and flavor diversity. This hypothesis-generating study provides a metabolic basis for breeding nutritionally enhanced cauliflower varieties.
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