In this work, the volatile composition of kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) and its variation
during germination were monitored during the first 9 days of seedling development by headspace
solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) combined with gas chromatography/ion trap-mass spectrometry
(GC/IT-MS). Differences were found among the materials in the distinct analyzed periods.
A total of 66 volatile compounds, distributed in several chemical classes, were determined: alcohols,
carbonyl compounds (ketones, aldehydes, and esters), norisoprenoids, and terpenes, among
others, sulfur compounds being the most abundant group in seeds and sprouts that exhibited allyl
isothiocyanate as the major compound. Leaves of fully developed ground plant had the highest
content of norisoprenoids, alcohols, and carbonyl compounds; in opposition, they showed lower
levels of sulfur compounds, suggesting that these are important molecules for the development of
kale, whereas the others are produced mainly during its growth.
