*3.5. Polyphenols*

The phenolic profiling of the microgreens indicated the presence of qualitative and quantitative differences (Table 5). Purslane had more than double the amount of total phenols per dry matter compared to borage, with a larger difference present for the flavonoid class (25.6 × higher) compared to phenolic acids (2.2 × higher). These strong dissimilarities are likely to reflect the species-specific biochemical profiles of the microgreens, considering the short cycle and the controlled environmental conditions. Specifically, purslane presented one largely predominant flavonoid (rutin), while other members of this chemical class were essentially present in a much lower amount. On the other hand, borage had a more balanced flavonoid profile, with kaempferols and luteolins being the two equally represented major flavonoid forms in microgreens. Species-specific differences were more complex for phenolic acids.

Seven of the 11 of the detected compounds were present in only one species. Moreover, of the four shared compounds, two (ferulic and caffeic acids) were present in a higher quantity in borage and two (Caffeoyl quinic acid and sinapinic acid hexose) in purslane.


