Components in Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. campestris) as Affected by Soil pH: 6.9 vs. 7.6

Functional and nutritional components of 7 cultivars of Chinese cabbage (CC; Brassica rapa subspecies campestris) from China were analyzed to compare the effects of soil pH (6.9 vs. 7.6). The CC grew on the soil of pH6.9 (CC-6.9) contained significantly increased amounts (2.3~4-fold) of pectin, crude protein, vitamin C and vitamin E compared to the control. The contents of ash and minerals (Ca, Fe, Na, Zn, K and Mn) were also significantly increased in CC-6.9. However, CC-6.9 contained 16-75% lower contents of reducing sugars, cellulose and crude fat than CC-7.6. CC-7.6 contained more glucosinolates than CC-6.9; gluconasturtiin (20.68 vs. 0.84 nmolㆍg?¹ wet wt) and gluconapin (202.55 vs. 0.15 nmolㆍg?¹ wet wt). In conclusion, CC-6.9 had an improved texture (high pectin and low cellulose) and nutritional value (high in protein, Ca, Fe, Zn, vitamin C, and E), whereas CC-7.6 had better taste (high in reducing sugars) and anticancer functionality (high in glucosinolates).