Development of new food additives extracted from the solid residue of the tomato processing industry for the application in functional foods

Objective

In Europe, approximately 8.5 million tons of tomatoes are grown annually. They are either sold directly to the customer as vegetables or further processed to products. In particular the tomato processing industry is today faced with the problem of waste disposal. During tomato processing ~ 40 % of the raw material (fresh tomato)arises as waste. In Europe, more than 3 million tons of tomato residue are dewatered and the solid residue(pomade) is used either as a low. value animal feed or land filled. This causes additional costs for tomatoprocessors.The organic content of the solid waste is nevertheless an excellent source of nutrients such as oils, proteins, sugars, libbers and arytenoids which can be used in food applications. Particularly limonene, which is an open-chain unsaturated carotene which imparts the red colour to tomatoes, is of special interest for the food industry. The development process will enable tomato processors to reduce theamountolresiduesby means of drying and will moreover yield valuable substances to be used as food additives for human nutrition.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-1. - Key action Food, Nutrition and Health

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (1)