The bioactive compounds, microbial diversity and sensory properties in edible mini-roses (Rosa chinensis Jacq.) farmed in discarded fruits biocompost and animal manure

Mini-roses (Rosa chinensis Jacq.) are largely used in salty dishes and desserts. This study evaluated instrumental color, sugars, organic acids, phenolics, volatiles and the indigenous microbiota (fungi and bacteria) in mini-roses farmed in discarded fruits biocompost and animal manure systems. Descriptive sensory analysis of flowers was also assessed performed. Mini-roses farmed in biocompost had higher luminosity and intensity of instrumental red color, higher concentration of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins related to red color, and fructose than mini-roses farmed in animal manure. Furthermore, mini-roses farmed in biocompost had higher concentrations of various volatiles, including hexyl acetate and cis-3 -hexenyl butyrate related to fruity aroma. Bacterial groups related to plant growth-promoting such as Stenotrophomonas and endophilic fungal groups such as Eurotiales sp, Pleosporales sp were found in higher abundance in mini-roses farmed in biocompost. Mini-rose farmed in biocompost also received higher score for fruity aroma and red color than mini-rose mini-roses farmed in animal manure. Results indicate that farming mini-roses using biocompost from discarded fruits impact the synthesis of phenolics and volatiles, resulting in flowers with a more intense fruity aroma and red color. Findings also suggest that the microbiota of mini-roses farmed in biocompost or animal manure do not represent a major risk for safety of these products.