DETERMINING THE AMOUNTS OF NITRITES AND NITRATES FROM FIVE VARIETIES OF TOMATOES GROWN IN A CLASIC AND ECOLOGICAL SYSTEM

Abstract

Vegetables are the most important source of nitrate in the human diet. The nitrate content is not the same in the plant. Depending on the amount of nitrites, plant organs can be classified as follows: leaf (the largest amount) stem, inflorescence root, tuber, fruit. One of the most important factors in determining the quality of vegetable products is the content of nitrates and nitrites and the maximum permitted limits play an important role in human health. It is well known that a high dietary intake of nitrates and nitrites may increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancer due to the formation of carcinogenic chemicals known as N-nitroso compounds and the appearance in newborns of blue child syndrome. This study assessed the concentrations of nitrates and nitrates in 5 varieties of tomatoes from organic and the same 5 varieties from classical crops. The study showed that the amount of nitrates and nitrites in the tomato varieties taken in the studio was within the limits according to the legislation in force.