NIFA: Microbiomes of garden-fresh vs store-bought produce and variation in their effects on the human gut microbiome

The goal of this Seed Grant, therefore, is to generate preliminary data needed to support a full-scale proposal to examine fruit and vegetable microbiomes across a spectrum of supply chain systems (e.g., garden, CSA/farmers market, supermarket) and to assess their potential to impact human health via the microbiome-gut-brain axis. To realize this goal, this proposal aims to achieve:Objective 1. Characterize microbial communities of garden-fresh and store-bought produce (representing opposite ends of the supply chain spectrum).Objective 2. Compare effects of consuming garden-fresh versus store-bought produce on gut microbiome diversity and composition in a healthy adult population of Master Gardeners (MGs).