Study on the nitrite and nitrate levels changes by drying and frying processing in vegetables

Nitrate and nitrite threaten the human health. According to recent research works, one of the great sources of exposure to nitrate and nitrite in human diet is vegetables. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of drying and frying processes on nitrate and nitrite levels in abundant vegetables. In this descriptive – analytical study, 180 vegetable samples were taken randomly from Kermanshah markets. Nitrite and nitrate concentration was determined by Greece- Ilosoay method. Then, freezing and boiling processes were carried out on samples and again, nitrite and nitrate levels were measured. The mean differences were analyzed using ANOVA and SPSS program. the concentrations of nitrate and nitrite were significantly different (p<0.5) in terms of vegetable type, storage process, or consumption. As average, frying and drying process led to increase nitrite and nitrate levels in the vegetables except Garlic chives. Frying process and drying process decreased the nitrite levels by 13 and 52% respectively, while in the case of nitrate, it was 29 and 25% respectively. Reducing nitrite and nitrate levels does not occur in frying and drying processing in vegetables. Therefore, it is essential to study other methods of processing or control of nitrate and nitrite levels in the vegetables. It is crucial to monitor and control the quality of this product and studying other food processing because of the daily intake of vegetables and potential risks of nitrate and nitrite accumulation and its association with some illnesses and gastrointestinal tract cancers.