Examination of six varieties of roses in terms of minerals, vitamins and antioxidant compounds

The Rose, the queen of ornamental flowers, is used in modern cooking as a new food source rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds. Despite the popularity of rose in cooking, many cultivars and species of this flower have not yet been tested for edibility. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the nutritional, mineral and antioxidant compositions of 6 rose cultivars (Hella, Crimson Siluetta, Rainbows End, Dolce Vita, Samurai, Avalanche) in a completely randomized design with three replications. The cultivars in question were purchased at the fully open flower stage from a reputable producer in Tehran province and transported to the laboratory in appropriate packaging. The petals of the mentioned cultivars were used to determine their edible and antioxidant properties. The results showed that "Crimson Siluetta" was richer than other cultivars in terms of dry matter percentage (22.75%), total phenols (20.20 mg gallic acid per gram fresh weight), antioxidant capacity (85.83% inhibition), phosphorus (33.48 mg per 100 g fresh weight), and manganese (2.76 mg per 100 g fresh weight). The best cultivars in terms of vitamin C and anthocyanins were "Crimson Siluetta" and "Samurai", which did not have a statistically significant difference. The richest cultivars in terms of total flavonoids, carotenoids, nitrogen and protein were "Rainbows End" and " Dolce Vita", respectively. "Dolce Vita" had the highest amount of vitamin A (0.38 micrograms per 100 grams fresh weight) and sulfur (356 mg per 100 grams fresh weight). The highest fiber, iron, zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, nickel and boron were recorded for "Hella", which together with "Samurai" were the best cultivars in terms of potassium. In general, all 6 rose cultivars studied are a good source of mineral elements, nutritional compounds and antioxidants, and among them "Hella" in terms of fiber and mineral elements, "Crimson Siluetta" in terms of antioxidant compounds and "Dolce Vita" and "Rainbows End" were richer sources of vitamin A and carotenoids and are recommended for use in the human diet and to benefit from their health benefits.