Abstract
This study compares mineral, vitamin C and crude protein contents at different harvesting stages in
kale (Brassica oleraceae var. acephala). Three different harvest periods as first harvest stage (at the
rosette stage), second harvest stage (at the budding stage) and third harvest stage (at the
flowering/blooming stage) were utilized in the study. The results of the study presented the highest
values as follows: Third harvesting stage for vitamin C with 109.43 mg 100 g
–1
; first stage for crude
protein value of 35.00%; first harvesting stage for nitrogen (N) and iron (Fe) with 5.60% and 15.31 mg
100 g
–1
,
respectively; and second harvesting stage for phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca),
magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), cupper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) as 0.57, 4.62, 2.67, 0.38%, and 15.63, 0.20,
2.12 mg 100 g
–1
respectively.
In conclusion, kale is a relatively good source of abundant antioxidants
with its vitamin C, crude protein and mineral contents. The study propounds that kale can be consumed
as a choice of fundamental nutrients selections and it would be worth considering the harvesting stage
of maturity.
Key words: Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala), harvesting stage, vitamin C, crude protein, mineral
content.
