25 Sep Healthy and Sustainable Tomato Products
Tomatoes are an important part of consumption patterns worldwide. Annually 150 mln tons of tomatoes are produced around the globe, and that makes tomatoes a major crop. They are not just outstanding in flavour and consistency, they also provide a large variety of nutrients such as lycopene, beta-carotene, potassium and vitamin C.
About 20% of tomatoes is consumed fresh . 80% is processed and offered to consumers in a variety of products such as paste, sauces and pizzas; during this processing, 40% of the nutrients are eliminated.
Keep Food Simple has inititated a research project to explore ways to reduce waste during processing and to create healthier products. Special attention will be given to the effect of processing conditions on the so-called bio-availability of the nutrients in the intestinal system. Ultimately our work should lead to products that are healthy, tasty and affordable.
The project is executed by a consortium of University Maastricht/Venlo, Bas Cloo (Dutch Cuisine), Wageningen University and Looye Producers. Please contact Fons Voragen (+31 (0)6 30 40 67 31) for further information or contact him through fonsvoragen@keepfoodsimple.nl.