Aromatic and Nutritional Composition of Edible Flowers of Garden Garlic and Wild Leek

Many of the flowers of ornamental and wild plants are edible. Flowers provide colors, flavors and textures to foods and serve as a potential source of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids and pigments, which exert a very high antioxidant activity. The cultivation of edible flowers is a production alternative that is on the rise. The main objective of this work has been to study the nutritional and aromatic value of garden garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) and wild leek (Allium ampeloprasum). The crops were carried out in the region of L’Horta Nord (Valencia, Spain), using organic production techniques. The proximate composition, antioxidant capacity, metal content and volatile fraction of the flowers were determined. The flowers of ornamental garlic and wild leek have been shown to be a source of fiber and even protein, with very low lipid content. There is no accumulation of heavy metals in these flowers. Organosulfur compounds are the chemical family of volatile components that predominate in these flowers, representing 98% of the volatile fraction of garden garlic flowers and 68.5% in wild leek flowers. The powerful antioxidant activity of the flowers studied and their relationship with a very significant aromatic fraction of sulfur components is well suited to the current trend of searching for natural and healthy foods with nutraceutical properties. It is recommended to continue studying the bioavailability of floral components and understand their effect on health, as well as organosulfur compounds for physiological functions.