Comparative analysis of shelf life and quality attributes of basil (Ocimum basilicum) cultivated using nutrient film technique (NFT) and substrate-based hydroponic systems

This study presents, for the first time, a comprehensive comparison between two hydroponic cultivation systems Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and substrate-based culture regarding the postharvest quality and shelf life of Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil) stored for 21 days at 5 ± 1 °C. Physical (weight loss, color, firmness), chemical (essential oils, total phenolics, antioxidant activity, chlorophyll content), and microbial (total plate counts, yeast, and mold) attributes were systematically evaluated. NFT-grown basil exhibited superior physical stability, with significantly lower weight loss (7.5 % vs. 11.2 %) and higher firmness at Day 21 (p < 0.05). In contrast, substrate-grown basil accumulated higher levels of essential oils and total phenolics (by 21 % and 18 %, respectively), reflecting enhanced secondary metabolism. Microbial results showed that NFT basil maintained total plate counts below 5.1 log CFU g⁻¹, whereas substrate basil reached 6.2 log CFU g⁻¹, exceeding the international safety threshold (10⁶ CFU g⁻¹; ISO 4833-1:2013; FDA, 2023). Overall, the comparative assessment established clear relationships among physical, chemical, and microbial quality indices, confirming that NFT basil retained acceptable sensory and microbial quality for up to 21 days. These findings highlight system-dependent trade-offs between postharvest stability and phytochemical enrichment, offering new insights for optimizing hydroponic basil production to meet targeted quality and market requirements.