Chinese kale sprouts are widely cultivated and consumed due to their elevated nutritional worth and ease of cultivation in controlled environments. This study focused on the effects of several light types (white, red, and blue) both by themselves and in conjunction with calcium chloride (CaCl₂) on the physiological development and nutritional value of Chinese kale sprouts. Analysis proved that under differing light treatments, white light resulted in the highest pigment content, and red light markedly increased plant height, fresh mass, and soluble sugar accumulation. Additionally, blue light significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity. When light quality and calcium chloride were applied together, fresh mass increased by 9.50%, 9.85%, and 12.47% (compared with single light treatments), and significantly elevated the indolic glucosinolate content. Besides, red light combined with calcium chloride also enhanced the antioxidant capacity (ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) content) compared with red light alone, increasing by 14.31%. This research determined that red light in conjunction with calcium chloride obtained the highest yield of sprouts, and it can also offer new strategies for increasing the antioxidant capacity, while the blue light in conjunction with calcium chloride can provide more ways for accumulating glucosinolates. In conclusion, incorporating light quality and calcium chloride treatments in Chinese kale sprout cultivation is an effective approach for increasing yield and quality.

In this study, we analyzed the nutritional components and antioxidant capacity of 17 leaf mustard cultivars, including 13 cultivars from Leshan, 2 from Ya’an, and 2 from Yibin. Significant variations were observed among the cultivars in terms of their nutritional composition and antioxidant properties. Our findings revealed that cultivar LS12 exhibited the highest levels of total chlorophyll, total anthocyanidin, flavonoids, total phenolics, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Cultivar YB2 showed higher contents of soluble sugar, soluble protein, ABTS antioxidant capacity, and total glucosinolates. On a regional basis, the cultivars from Leshan had higher total phenolics compared to those from Ya’an and Yibin, while cultivars from Yibin exhibited the highest total glucosinolate content. Additionally, purple-leaf mustard demonstrated superior flavonoid and total phenolic contents, as well as higher FRAP values, compared to the cultivars of green-leaf mustard. However, green-leaf mustard contained higher levels of total glucosinolates than their purple counterpart. Based on a comprehensive evaluation using a membership function analysis, LS12 was identified as the cultivar with the best nutritional quality and antioxidant capacity. This study provides valuable insights into the nutritional attributes and antioxidant capacity of different leaf mustard cultivars and offers guidance for selecting varieties to promote a healthy diet.