Concentrations of minerals, soluble solids, vitamin C, carotenoids and toxigenic elements in organic goji berries (Lycium barbarum L.) cultivated in Lithuania

ABSTRACT The quality attributes of two goji berry cultivars, Lasa and New Big, grown in an organic system in the Lithuanian climate were investigated in two consecutive years (2015 and 2016). Concentrations of mineral elements (N, K, P, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, B, Cu, Mn, and Se), toxigenic elements (Pb and Cd), dry matter, soluble solids, vitamin C and carotenoids were evaluated. The results showed that the main mineral element in the goji berries was N, with values between 219.4 and 284.8 g kg−1. The New Big berries accumulated significantly higher concentrations of N, K, Fe, Zn, Cu and vitamin C compared with the Lasa berries. Significant differences were found between the two years in the concentrations of macro-elements, such as N, K and P, toxigenic elements (Pb and Cd), and carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin). Concentrations of toxigenic elements were low and below the permissible limit levels. It was concluded that the goji berries tested in this study were a rich source of essential elements, such as N, K, Fe, Zn, B, Mn, and Cu, vitamin C and carotenoids, especially zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin.