CHROMIUM AND NICKEL LEVELS IN ASPARAGUS (ASPARAGUS-OFFICINALIS, L) ATDIFFERENT DEGREES OF MATURATION

The influence of the maturation process of fresh asparagus (Asparagus officinalis, L.) on concentrations of chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) wa s studied. Samples of asparagus were classified on the basis of their diameter in two groups, < 11mm and > 14 mm spears. Samples were divide d into two portions, tip or apical portion, and remainder or basal por tion. The mean levels obtained were 0.517 +/- 0.15 and 4.95 +/- 1.26 m g/kg (d.w.) for chromium and nickel, respectively. By means of three-f actor analyses of variance, statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) were determined between the different states of maturation of the asparagus for the chromium and nickel concentrations. The homogene ous groups formed in a Scheffe multiple range test (p < 0.05) showed a n increase in the levels of chromium and nickel in the course of the a sparagus's maturation. The apical portion of the spear showed concentr ations of both minerals which were significantly higher than those in the basal portion. No statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between diameters for chromium and nickel content.