Nutritional composition and postharvest senescence control in Chaerophyllum macrospermum: a comparative study of 1-MCP, nitric oxide, and hydrogen sulfide treatments

Chaerophyllum macrospermum is consumed in parts of Iran for its nutritional and antioxidant properties, but rapid postharvest yellowing limits its shelf-life. This study assessed its nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and postharvest preservation strategies. Edible parts (leaf-blades, buds, petioles) were analyzed for nutrients, antioxidants, essential oils, fatty acids, amino acids, and phenolics. Buds contained the highest levels of nitrogen, zinc, and protein, while leaves were richest in iron and manganese. Fresh essential oil was dominated by α-pinene (26.35%) and α-ocimene, whereas the dried oil primarily contained Germacrene-D and β-caryophyllene. Major fatty acids included palmitic, oleic, linoleic, and stearic acids; principal amino acids were histidine, asparagine, serine, glutamine, and methionine. Chicoric acid was the predominant phenolic. Postharvest treatment with 1-MCP, nitric-oxide, and hydrogen-sulfide effectively preserved chlorophyll, carotenoids, and antioxidants, with nitric-acid and 1-MCP performing best. These findings underscore the nutritional potential of C. macrospermum and provide practical strategies to extend its shelf-life.