Mineral composition in populations of Iranian wild celery

ABSTRACT

Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff. is an Iranian endemic plant, with use as a leafy vegetable, spice, and medicinal herb. This plant is grown in high-altitude mountains and harvested annually in the spring. Five wild populations of K. odoratissima were collected from Ardal, Chelgerd, Sar-Agha-Seyyed, Mogooei, Lordegan regions of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, Iran. Mineral composition of samples was analyzed. Differences were detected among populations. The Ardal population had the highest K (5.30 mg∙100 g⁻¹) and Mn (136.60 mg∙kg⁻¹) contents. The highest P (0.89 mg∙100 g⁻¹), Ca (2.58 mg∙100 g−1) and Mg (0.55 mg∙100 g⁻¹) contents were in the Sar-Agha-Seyyed population. The highest Fe (1258 mg∙kg⁻¹) and Cu (9.81 mg∙100 g⁻¹) contents were in the Chelgerd populations. There was a significant, negative, correlation between Zn and P. Differences in mineral composition of K. odoratissima corresponded to variation among populations. It appears wild celery is a good source of minerals compared to other common leafy vegetables in Apiaceae family.

KEYWORDS:

• Kelussia odoratissima
• apiaceae
• endemic
• cluster analysis
• correlation