Garlic scape, an alternative food with human health benefits.

GONZÁLEZ, R E; SANCE, M M; SOTO, V. C; GALMARINI, C. R.

ACTA HORTICULTURAE

ISHS

Año: 2012 vol. 969 p. 233 - 238

0567-7572

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) has been used as a medicinal agent for thousands of years. Antioxidant properties, cardiovascular disease prevention including atherosclerosis, and reduction of both plasma cholesterol level and blood pressure are among the health-benefits attributed to garlic. In general, more health-benefits are present when garlic is fresh consumed. Not only the mature bulbs, but also the leaves and inflorescence stalks (scapes) can be eaten. Under favorable conditions some clones produce scapes, these inflorescence stalks are less pungent and seems to be a good choice for fresh consumption. The main goal of this study was to determine in vitro antiplatelet activity and pungency of garlic scapes and bulbs. Two garlic cultivars, Sureño INTA and Gostoso INTA were chosen from the germplasm collection of INTA La Consulta. In vitro antiplatelet activity was measured using whole blood electrical impedance aggregometry, whereas pungency was analyzed according to Schwimmer and Weston (1961) proposed methodology. Bulbs of both garlic cultivars evaluated, showed higher in vitro antiplatelet activity and pungency, than their scapes. Significant differences were found between scape pungency (P<0.05) but not among bulb pungency. Gostoso INTA scapes were more pungent than Sureño INTA scapes. Sureño INTA, showed the highest antiaggregatory effects in both, bulbs and scapes. These results provide evidence about the potential of scapes as an alternative way for garlic fresh consumption.