A comparison of rapid‐ (X‐ray fluorescence, near‐infrared reflectance) and glucose‐release methods for the determination of the glucosinolate content of oilseed rape (Brassica oleracea)

Rapeseed ( Brassica oleracea L) samples representing the wide range of glucosinolate contents typical of both ‘single‐low’ and ‘double‐low’ varieties grown in the UK were analysed by X‐ray fluorescence and by near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy, currently considered to be alternatives for the rapid analysis of glucosinolates in rapeseed. Each physico‐chemical technique was compared with an established method based on the enzymic release of glucose. The results of such intercomparisons are reported and the relative advantages and disadvantages of the methods are discussed.