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Europa apuesta por el consumo de frutaThe research Isafruit project focuses on the Apple, peach and the Nectarine
Europe advocates the consumption of fruit
Drafting Interempresas28/11/2008
November 28, 2008
Girona hosted, from 25 to 27 November, the third general Assembly of the European research project Isafruit, that brings together 40 universities and 20 research centers, with more than 200 researchers, 150 of whom these days have gathered in the capital Gironain an act organized by
Irta, of the Department of agriculture, food and Rural Action (Dar).
The Nectarine is the subject of study of the Isafruit European project. Photo: John Smith.
The Isafruit project aims to increase the consumption of fruit of European citizens. This project, which has a planned duration of 4 years and is currently in the second of them, carried out the study basically Apple, peach and Nectarine. Work ranges from the study of the abilities and preferences of consumers, the relationship between consumption of fruit and human health, new forms of processing the fruit, the improvement of the quality in precosecha and post-harvest, or research on the genetics of the fruit and the quality of it.
On this last point of the quality of the fruit is of which has been treated in the gathering Girona. The quality of the fruit is a very broad term, with many variations ranging from the taste and appearance, to the content in waste, the health benefits or by matching the preferences of consumers.
Reduce the plant in fruit
From Irta explain that the application of plant protection is an area of concern to consumers and the fruit sector. It is for this reason that one of the lines of research of the Isafruit project has worked on this application, with the definition of new machinery of application that allows to reduce it to 50 per cent. On the other hand, and during the process of postharvest has also been that new methods to reduce the application of substances fungicides on the fruit can be used. Specifically, is he has worked in the application of hot water to the fruit, up to 60 degrees in peach and Nectarine, with very good results.
New products
On the other hand, are developing new products based on fruit, like a juice of plums or new presentations, as the fruit cut and packaged to be eaten directly, and in such a way, that it is not dark or loss qualities of taste and flavor. Specifically, these works are carrying out at the premises of the Irta Monells (Girona). The preferences of over 5,000 consumers of apples, peaches and nectarines have also been studied.
Participants at the third general Assembly of the Isafruit project, held in Girona from 25 to 27 November.
Benefits of the fruit on healthFruit consumption has countless benefits to human health, but until now, it was a little quantified assessment. In the section of the Isafruit project that researches health and consumption of fruit, it has been proved that the daily intake of 400 grams of apples (about 3 blocks per day), has a beneficial effect of improving cardiovascular health, particularly in people of risk or who have suffered cardiovascular problems.
In view of the benefits on health, Isafruit makes to adapt the supply of fruit and thus make them more attractive to consumers. Among the many aspects that are studied in the project are those who try to offer a uniform fruit quality, so consumers are one aspect, taste, and constant taste throughout the year.
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Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentària - IRTA
