Few consumers will know much about a natural mineral called selenium, with the exception of those which buy it as dietary supplement.
But according to food scientists who met at HRI "Horticultural crops for Human health" conference, it is a vital ingredient which offers protection against disease. The problems is that statistics show that general intake is falling.
One solution adopted by the dairy industries in New Zealand and Finland is to to add it to fertilisers which grass takes up naturally. Now Hydro Agri UK, in conjunction with HRI and the BBSRC hopes for similar success with vegetables. They are backing a three year trial covering potatoes, onions, carrots and white cabbage.
Mark Tucker, head of plant nutrition for Hydro Agri, revealed that in Italy mineral enriched potatoes are already being sold, and the UK could have crops available in three to five years.
Meanwhile, of more immediate concern is the cost of "safe food", claimed vegetable grower David Piccaver. The lack of wholesale markets and the disciplines effected by multiple costs meant that vegetables were often ploughed in. "Growers have less facility to dispose of the crop," he said.
Despite traditional green vegetables being under pressure competing with new tastes and shapes, Dr Rosemary Cole of ADAS PhytoInnovations, is passionate about the value they are to the diet, particularly when eaten raw. 'But this is no good if you can't get people to eat them," she said.
One solution, apart from getting the general health message across to the public, would be to introduce products such as Chinese vegetables, rocket and mustard and broccoli sprouts into stir fry and salads, added Dr Cole.
Another benefit could be achieved through the use of modified atmosphere packaging.
Experiments had shown that calabrese retained its nutrient content (carotenoids and Vitamin C) as well as colour far better than other methods of presentation. The test was conducted over over a six day period held at 5°C.
This is this type of information which Douglas Henderson, chief executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium, and conference chairman, felt must be more widely disseminated in the trade. "It is of enormous value, and the subject should reach a wider audience," he added, following a presentation ñ reported last week ñ by Danila Armstrong, acting nutrition programme manager for the Department of Health outlining proposals to drive the 5-a-Day campaign on for a further three years.
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