Mineral Nutrition Status of Some Aromatic Plants Grown in Muğla, Determination of Their Soil Characteristics and Uses in the Kitchen

Abstract

In this study, mineral nutrition status of some aromatic plants such as Foeniculum vulgare, Cichorium intybus, Brassica oleracea var. capitata, Liquidambar orientalis that are naturally spread in Muğla province and its locality and consumed by the local people, and the soil characteristics of the species were investigated. According to the results, it was determined that the species of plants spread between pH-mild acid and neutral in a loamy, salt-free and low-lime environment. In addition to this, while it was determined that plants were at high levels in terms of N, Ca and Fe contents, Zn value was found to be at a low level. In the second phase of the study, it was aimed to obtain detailed information for above mentioned local plants by using qualitative research method. It was found that there were differences in the nutrition habits of the societies due to different cultures. Local differences mostly stemmed from the yields grown in that region. One another aim is to investigate the food preparations in Muğla cuisine preferred by the local people regarding “arapsaçı, hindiba, cibez and günlük” (TR), which are among the medicinal aromatic plants found in Muğla, and the consumption preferences of these plants. The main purpose of this research was to determine the aromatic plant consumption habits of the people living in Muğla province and evaluate these consumptions in terms of health. As a result of the interviews, the recipes of these dishes, information on their preferability and their effects on health were obtained.