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Montia fontana L. (Portulacaceae), an interesting wild vegetable traditionally consumed in the Iberian Peninsula

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Abstract

Montia fontana L. is an aquatic plant traditionally consumed in the Centre and West of the Iberian Peninsula, where it is one of the most highly valued wild vegetables. The aim of this work was to evaluate both the natural yield and nutritional value of this scarcely known plant. Two wild populations, from two different sites of Central Spain, were sampled during three consecutive years. Plant production was estimated by two parameters: production per unit of surface and plant percentage cover in the selected site. Nutritional analyses included proximate composition and total energy, mineral macro and microelements, vitamin C, and organic acids. Mean yield at the growing areas was 2.64 kg/m2, though significant differences among sites and years were found. There was a positive correlation between production and accumulated rainfall from the beginning of the year till the collecting dates. The percentage cover of the species in the potential growing area was 8.25%, without significant differences among sites and years. Therefore, the wild populations of the species can reach a total mean production of 2,138 kg/ha in this Spanish region. This is the first report of a global nutrient composition for Montia fontana. After moisture, the major constituent was fibre (4.44%), much higher than many cultivated vegetables. Also appreciable amounts of vitamin C (34 mg/100 g) and Mn (1.07 mg/100 g) were found. Due to its high lipid content (1.94%) this wild vegetable could be regarded as one of the richest source of omega-3 fatty acids among the leafy vegetables. This species can be considered an interesting wild resource for being included in the diet. Further research is needed for addressing its potential for being cultivated under different culture systems and for selecting accessions with lower oxalate content.

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Acknowledgments

Research funding was obtained from ERDF and the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science (CGL2006-09546/BOS). María Molina and Patricia García-Herrera were granted by predoctoral fellowships provided by IMIDRA and Universidad Complutense de Madrid, respectively. We want to thank to Susana González for collaborating in the field work and to Carmen Diez Marqués, for her support in mineral elements analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto Madrileño de Investigación y Desarrollo Rural, Agrario y Alimentario (IMIDRA), Finca El Encín. Apdo 127, 28800, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain

    J. Tardío, M. Molina & L. Aceituno-Mata

  2. Departamento de Biología (Botánica), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) c/Darwin 2, Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain

    M. Pardo-de-Santayana

  3. Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid, CSIC, Plaza de Murillo 2, 28014, Madrid, Spain

    R. Morales

  4. Dpto. Nutrición y Bromatología II, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain

    V. Fernández-Ruiz, P. García, M. Cámara & M. C. Sánchez-Mata

  5. Dpto. de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Internacional Valenciana (VIU), c/José Pradas Gallen s/n, 12000, Castellón de la Plana, Spain

    P. Morales

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Tardío, J., Molina, M., Aceituno-Mata, L. et al. Montia fontana L. (Portulacaceae), an interesting wild vegetable traditionally consumed in the Iberian Peninsula. Genet Resour Crop Evol 58, 1105–1118 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-011-9749-7

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