Summary
Chives are a leafy vegetable widely used as a condiment in Brazil, where the most used species are popularly known as common and European. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical quality of in natura Allium fistulosum (common) and Allium schoenoprasum(European) chives. The samples of the different species were harvested and analysed for colour (brightness, hue angle and chromaticity); soluble solids (SS); titratable acidity (TA); SS/TA; pH; moisture; chlorophylla; chlorophyll b; total chlorophyll and total carotenoids. Regarding the colour parameters, the species showed similar results, with the characteristic colour of chives, expressed by the colour green with a tendency to yellow. The pH values were also similar, both fitting into the low acid range. However for SS and acidity, the European variety showed higher levels. The values found for the pigments evaluated were also similar, the average ratio of chlorophyll a:b being 2.3:1. The physicochemical data also showed similarities, both species presenting low acidity, high moisture and chlorophyll contents, and reasonable levels of soluble solids and carotenoids. This information about the chives grown in Brazil, still scarce in the literature, contributes to the production of data about this plant and could motivate its consumption and the expansion of its marketing in diverse ways.
Key words:
Allium fistulosum; Allium schoenoprasum; Postharvest quality; Common chives; European chives