Periodic Reporting for period 1 - FRIETS (Sustainable optimization of the value chain of added-value fresh and dried berries through the integration of Precision Agriculture management strategies and innovative dehydration and edible coating)
Reporting period: 2021-09-01 to 2023-08-31
Fruits include a diverse group of plant foods with high nutritional value, including dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Among them, berries are fruits of both high consumer demand and nutritional value. However, modern lifestyles discourage daily intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Moreover, there is a lack of healthy food snacks for personalized nutrition in the market. On the other hand, the demand for natural, nutritive, and personalized snacks is increasing. Hence, the development of such products, which can also be tailor-made to the needs of specific groups is a long-awaiting innovation.
The overall aim of the FRIETS project is to develop novel processed berries with superior quality and nutritional characteristics, as well as extended shelf-life. Optimizing pre-harvest management practices and low-impact post-harvest technologies will be implemented. Regarding the sustainable development of the new products, Life Cycle Analysis and socio-techno-economic analysis will be implemented. By doing so, FRIETS will introduce functional fruits suitable for personalized nutrition as well as for individuals suffering from obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and athletes.
FRIETS aims to promote a healthier lifestyle and bridge the current market gap in high quality personalized food products.
The overall aim of the FRIETS project is to develop novel processed berries with superior quality and nutritional characteristics, as well as extended shelf-life. Optimizing pre-harvest management practices and low-impact post-harvest technologies will be implemented. Regarding the sustainable development of the new products, Life Cycle Analysis and socio-techno-economic analysis will be implemented. By doing so, FRIETS will introduce functional fruits suitable for personalized nutrition as well as for individuals suffering from obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and athletes.
FRIETS aims to promote a healthier lifestyle and bridge the current market gap in high quality personalized food products.
From September 2021 to August 2023, 44 secondments have been completed and 11 are ongoing. The following activities were carried out:
WP1 assessed the effectiveness of proximal, aerial data using vegetation indices to monitor crop changes across growth stages. These indices were utilized to consistently monitor the crop's evolving condition across critical growth stages of 3 different varieties. This lays the groundwork for a yield prediction model based on correlations among indices, photosynthesis, and yield/quality. Strong correlations were found between GNDVI, NDVI, berry count, and weight during the developing and ripening stages of the berries. Additionally, a weather station was established in the MBP field, aiding proper irrigation and LCA phase.
WP2 is focused on the recovery of bioactive compounds (BACs) from olive tree, berries and rosemary leaves via conventional and innovative extraction technologies. Ultrasound and microwave assisted extraction were found to be effective in recovering valuable BACs with higher rates of extraction when compared to conventional solvent extraction. The recovered BACs were screened and characterized regarding the biological activity the possess (antioxidant, antimicrobial among others). Spray-drying and electrospraying are being evaluated with regards the efficiency of the recovered BACs encapsulation in different matrices. Olive tree and rosemary extraction was scaled up in pilot extractions.
For WP3, alternative osmotic dehydration and high-end technology freeze drying process were tested on berries. Optimization of osmotic dehydration with alternative solutions, and freeze-drying regarding time, concentration of solutions, and temperature was performed in order to create products with low moisture. The optimum conditions and solutions were found for each method and each berry leading to high quality products with a long shelf-life. The optimization has led to valuable insights and innovative approaches, resulting in enhanced drying protocols.
As for WP4, edible coatings from algae were developed to extend the shelf life of berries and improve their quality and were evaluated for their properties. Significant differences were observed in the alternative edible coatings. The films that contain ingredients from algae have better properties and provide a better protection to the berries, leading to better quality.
WP5 focused on the prevalence studies of the main fungal and mycotoxin contaminants in berries and the investigation of the most appropriate protocols for their analysis. Experimental data along with quantitative literature data was used to develop a meta-analysis which is an input for the developed risk assessment models. The latter is used to evaluate and rank fungal and mycotoxin hazards. On-going research focuses on conducting a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the impact of different stages of the berries production for producing safe and stable fruits.
For WP6, as a starting point the overall flow diagram of the envisaged FRIETS value chain has been designed in detail. This provided the basis for scale-up modelling of the drying, extraction, encapsulation, and osmotic dehydration in Aspen Plus, and a qualitative Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) for the same processes and for berry cultivation. The LCI has been populated via questionnaires sent to all relevant partners and an initial environmental impact assessment has been performed, for pre-harvesting, drying and extraction. A PESTLE questionnaire has been formulated and will be shared among the technical partners to identify potential drivers/barriers for the implementation of the FRIETS value chain.
For WP7, project’s website and social media accounts (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook) have been created. All partners contributed actively to the dissemination and communication of the project through their own social media accounts. Dissemination material (banner, brochure, leaflet and bookmark) as well as a newsletter have been created and uploaded to FRIETS website and social media accounts but also physically distributed in conferences and workshops. The first workshop took place on December 2022 while the second is scheduled for September 2023. FRIETS results have yielded 7 research publications in open access peer-reviewed scientific journals and 7 contributions to national and international scientific conference as well as consumer conferences. Finally, 4 articles/press releases in newspapers, e-journals and blogs have been released.
For WP8, all necessary mechanisms and structures for the management and administrative coordination of the project have been established. Five deliverables have already been submitted on time (D1.1 D7.1 D8.1 D8.2 D8.4) and two milestones have been achieved (MS1, MS5). Consortium meetings have been held on a regular basis. Moreover, the FRIETS Zenodo and TEAMS Microsoft accounts are used to facilitate communication and knowledge transfer.
WP1 assessed the effectiveness of proximal, aerial data using vegetation indices to monitor crop changes across growth stages. These indices were utilized to consistently monitor the crop's evolving condition across critical growth stages of 3 different varieties. This lays the groundwork for a yield prediction model based on correlations among indices, photosynthesis, and yield/quality. Strong correlations were found between GNDVI, NDVI, berry count, and weight during the developing and ripening stages of the berries. Additionally, a weather station was established in the MBP field, aiding proper irrigation and LCA phase.
WP2 is focused on the recovery of bioactive compounds (BACs) from olive tree, berries and rosemary leaves via conventional and innovative extraction technologies. Ultrasound and microwave assisted extraction were found to be effective in recovering valuable BACs with higher rates of extraction when compared to conventional solvent extraction. The recovered BACs were screened and characterized regarding the biological activity the possess (antioxidant, antimicrobial among others). Spray-drying and electrospraying are being evaluated with regards the efficiency of the recovered BACs encapsulation in different matrices. Olive tree and rosemary extraction was scaled up in pilot extractions.
For WP3, alternative osmotic dehydration and high-end technology freeze drying process were tested on berries. Optimization of osmotic dehydration with alternative solutions, and freeze-drying regarding time, concentration of solutions, and temperature was performed in order to create products with low moisture. The optimum conditions and solutions were found for each method and each berry leading to high quality products with a long shelf-life. The optimization has led to valuable insights and innovative approaches, resulting in enhanced drying protocols.
As for WP4, edible coatings from algae were developed to extend the shelf life of berries and improve their quality and were evaluated for their properties. Significant differences were observed in the alternative edible coatings. The films that contain ingredients from algae have better properties and provide a better protection to the berries, leading to better quality.
WP5 focused on the prevalence studies of the main fungal and mycotoxin contaminants in berries and the investigation of the most appropriate protocols for their analysis. Experimental data along with quantitative literature data was used to develop a meta-analysis which is an input for the developed risk assessment models. The latter is used to evaluate and rank fungal and mycotoxin hazards. On-going research focuses on conducting a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the impact of different stages of the berries production for producing safe and stable fruits.
For WP6, as a starting point the overall flow diagram of the envisaged FRIETS value chain has been designed in detail. This provided the basis for scale-up modelling of the drying, extraction, encapsulation, and osmotic dehydration in Aspen Plus, and a qualitative Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) for the same processes and for berry cultivation. The LCI has been populated via questionnaires sent to all relevant partners and an initial environmental impact assessment has been performed, for pre-harvesting, drying and extraction. A PESTLE questionnaire has been formulated and will be shared among the technical partners to identify potential drivers/barriers for the implementation of the FRIETS value chain.
For WP7, project’s website and social media accounts (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook) have been created. All partners contributed actively to the dissemination and communication of the project through their own social media accounts. Dissemination material (banner, brochure, leaflet and bookmark) as well as a newsletter have been created and uploaded to FRIETS website and social media accounts but also physically distributed in conferences and workshops. The first workshop took place on December 2022 while the second is scheduled for September 2023. FRIETS results have yielded 7 research publications in open access peer-reviewed scientific journals and 7 contributions to national and international scientific conference as well as consumer conferences. Finally, 4 articles/press releases in newspapers, e-journals and blogs have been released.
For WP8, all necessary mechanisms and structures for the management and administrative coordination of the project have been established. Five deliverables have already been submitted on time (D1.1 D7.1 D8.1 D8.2 D8.4) and two milestones have been achieved (MS1, MS5). Consortium meetings have been held on a regular basis. Moreover, the FRIETS Zenodo and TEAMS Microsoft accounts are used to facilitate communication and knowledge transfer.
FRIETS focuses on developing innovative products. Innovations include novel berry processing, eco-friendly drying, innovative extraction technologies, alternative osmotic dehydration, and edible coatings. FRIETS establishes a new benchmark for nutritious snacks by incorporating cutting-edge processes and interdisciplinary collaboration. Benefits range from improved public health to sustainable food practices. The FRIETS project advances a healthy diet by creating personalized, nutritious soft fruit snacks. These snacks address the gap in healthy options, benefiting individuals with varied dietary needs. The project's impact resonates not only in healthier choices but also in fostering sustainability and knowledge exchange across Europe and beyond. FRIETS is expected to influence people, industries, and policymakers while promoting healthier habits and environmental awareness. Additionally, FRIETS fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration, enhancing researchers' skills and career prospects. By transitioning between academic and industrial sectors, secondees enhance their competences and fortify collaborative relationships.