Abstract:
This study systematically analyzed the texture properties and nutritional composition of 18
Morchella germplasm resources. Texture parameters, amino acid profiles, and basic nutritional components of the tested strains were measured. A comprehensive assessment of nutritional quality was performed using amino acid score (AAS), chemical score (CS), essential amino acid index (EAAI), and the ratio coefficient method (RC), combined with correlation analysis, cluster analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and membership function analysis. The results revealed significant variations in both texture and nutritional quality among the 18 strains. Texturally,
Morchella eximia exhibited notably high hardness and chewiness. Nutritionally, the germplasm was characterized by high protein (2.96~4.48 g/100 g) and low fat (0.20~0.77 g/100 g) contents. Valine (Val) and lysine (Lys) were identified as the first and second limiting amino acids, respectively. Among flavor-related amino acids, umami and sweet amino acids were predominant, with a (UAA+SAA)/BAA ratio greater than 1. Threonine (Thr) was the most prominent amino acid in
Morchella, showing the highest AAS, CS, and RC scores (135.65, 106.39 and 1.18, respectively). The EAAI ranged from 56.22% to 66.54%, indicating considerable variability in protein quality across strains. Cluster analysis categorized the strains into four distinct groups: Those with superior texture and high crude fiber content, those with optimal nutritional and amino acid profiles, those with poor texture, and those with clear nutritional disadvantages. PCA extracted four principal components, collectively accounting for 91.91% of the total variance. Membership function analysis yielded comprehensive scores (F-values) ranging from 0.094 to 0.741, enabling classification into five groups. Based on the F-values, strain M15 was identified as possessing the highest overall quality. This study provides a scientific basis for the high-value processing and utilization of
Morchella germplasm resources and supports the breeding of superior varieties.