Valorisation of algae for a better taste | 2 Mers Seas Zeeën

ValgOrize

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Valorisation of algae for a better taste

Priority Axis

Technological and Social Innovation

Specific objective

Technological Innovation

Lead partner

EV-ILVO - Eigen Vermogen Instituut voor Landbouw- en Visserij Onderzoek

Contact

Start Date

12/07/2018

End Date

31/03/2022

Project budget

5 699 865

ERDF amount

3 419 919

ERDF rate

60%

    About

    Common challenge

    To maintain current consumption trends, the world must produce 50-70% more food by 2050. Current global algae biomass production is 3M tonnes. In the EU, however, only 0.1 tonne is cultivated with 9% for food, compared to 90% globally. Many EU countries allow wild harvesting of seaweed, an unsustainable practice with low quality yields. Imports of (Asian) algae do not meet EU food safety standards. The key challenge: ‘Controlled sustainable production and processing of high quality, stable, safe algal biomass of known composition with important food features and a good total palatability including: taste, aroma, colour and texture’, in order to facilitate change in favour of food from the lower trophic regions in the ocean food chain and investment in the sector. Food producers need a reliable and predictable supply of high quality biomass and consumers want tasty, safe and high quality products. ValgOrize will close this gap.

    Main Achievements

    The project has realised several main achievements. The obtained outcome is a nice illustration of a cross border cooperation.

    We have selected the preferred seaweeds (3) which were and will be cultivated at medium/large scale under controlled conditions of turbulence, light quality/quantity and nutrient availability. 7 microalgae are selected and cultivated under different conditions (light, nutrient limitation) at medium or large scale. Genetic ID (DNA barcoding) of ValgOrize strains is performed.

    With the produced algae biomass, we are able to perform chemical analysis for food safety and quality. The project deals about taste, so we have developed different methods to analyse taste parameters like amino acids and volatile compounds. Via these methods, we are able to analyse the good (or bad) taste of algae. Batches are and will be collected for taste panel analyses. An expert sensory panel was trained to recognize typical algae tastes and aromas. In total 16 participants finished the complete sensory training. 9 microalgae and 6 seaweeds were evaluated by the expert panel. The expertise of the trained panel is used for the evaluation of different algae and eventually product development. It allows us to relate the taste that is considered as good with the performed analysis, and with such information, food producers will be able to produce nice (algae)food for the consumer.
    We also performed feed trials with chickens. We are interested to know if chicken like algae and if so, what would be the impact on the quality of the eggs and the meat. Salt content is an issue. The trails will be repeated, results are expected in 2021.

    A study on the existing market for algal food applications is delivered, more research is executed to study the market potential and the key success factors of cultivated seaweeds in the food market. All findings are currently being ensembled in two reports.

    After the initial set-up and establishment of communication tools and materials in year 1, external communication started running smoothly in year 2. Multiple press releases either covered or mentioned the ValgOrize project. A clear newsletter system and structure was established, with 3 newsletters being sent out internationally which also initiated connections with journalists and third parties. The creation of the first ValgOrize documentary was set in motion, produced and released in Dutch and with English subtitles, French subtitles are on the way.

    Partnership

    Partners

    VITO-Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek

    Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research

    HZ University of Applied Sciences

    Stichting Noordzeeboerderij

    Zeewaar BV

    ULCO - Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale

    Université de Lille

    University of Greenwich

    Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

    Texel Saline BV

    Nausicaa

    Outputs

    Output name
    Type
    Target
    URL / Download
    31/03/2021

    ValgOrize

    Theme: Technological innovationMarine resources
    Type: Pilot and demonstration action
    Target: SMEs /enterprises
    31/01/2021

    ValgOrize

    Theme: Technological innovationMarine resources
    Type: Pilot and demonstration action
    Target: SMEs /enterprises