title: Influence of temperature and brewing time of nettle (Urtica dioica L.) infusions on vitamin C content
abstract: Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) can be found in temperate climate zones of Europe, Africa and America Nettle may be a source of nutritional ingredients, mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants.
  
  
  
  The aim of the study was to determine the effect of temperature and brewing time Urtica dioica L. infusions from different parts of this plant on vitamin C (ascorbic acid) content.
  
  
  
  Infusions of nettle leaf, stem and root were prepared at room temperature, 50°C, 60°C, 70°C and 80°C for 10 minutes. Leaf infusions were also brewed for 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes at initial water temperature of 60°C. The amount of vitamin C was determined by the spectrophotometric method.
  
  
  
  The best temperature of brewing nettle infusions, in terms of vitamin C concentration, is between 50 °C and 60 °C as it is sufficient to extract the substance, yet not high enough to destroy it.
  
  
  
  The optimal time of brewing appeared to be 10 minutes as the prolonged exposure to high temperature appeared to be detrimental for ascorbic acid as well.
authors.affiliation: Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Department of Biochemistry and Human Nutrition, Szczecin, Poland
authors.forename: Jolanta
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wolska
authors.affiliation: University of Strathclyde, Naval Architecture, Ocean & Marine Engineering, Glasgow, UK
authors.forename: Michał
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Czop
authors.affiliation: Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Department of Biochemistry and Human Nutrition, Szczecin, Poland
authors.forename: Karolina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jakubczyk
authors.affiliation: Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Department of Biochemistry and Human Nutrition, Szczecin, Poland
authors.forename: Katarzyna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Janda
mesh_terms: D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000032:analysis*; D005060:Europe; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry*; D018515:Plant Leaves; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000737:chemistry; D018547:Plant Stems / Q000737:chemistry; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors; D026982:Urtica dioica / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts; D001205:Ascorbic Acid