1. Ktisis Cyprus University of Technology

Identification of Medicinal/Aromatic Plants properties and improving quality, nutritive value and storability of fresh and dry products to support SME competitiveness-Opti-AromaQ

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Primary Data

Project title
Identification of Medicinal/Aromatic Plants properties and improving quality, nutritive value and storability of fresh and dry products to support SME competitiveness-Opti-AromaQ
Project Coordinator
Start date
01-01-2022
Expected Completion
31-12-2024
 
Co-Investigator(s)
Project website

Description

Abstract
Although the Medicinal and Aromatic Plant (MAP) tradition in Cyprus outdates most other MAP-producing nations, there are significant gap of knowledge. Food Safety, high nutritive value and ecofriendly natural preservations means are demanded by consumers. Opti-AromaQ aims the exploitation and promoting nutritive value and high quality MAP products in Cypriot farmers, SME packagers/herbal/cosmetics owners and consumers to address economic and social challenges of the sector. The project will provide validated methodology/applications to enable both farmers and packagers SMEs to elaborate a) the high quality and safer produce derived by MAP sector b) promote the Cypriot MAP and their products and c) contribution to conservation of indigenous and native MAP species. Opti-AromaQ fully complies with RESTART program priorities and its specific aims are: 1) Introduce into cultivation of new MAP species and reduced the uncontrolled wild harvest, 2) Define optimum cultivation management (i.e. mineral levels) for high nutritive value products for selected aromatic plant species, 3) Determine the postharvest conditions and drying process for the Cypriot MAP, 4) Outline application strategies of essential oils for food safety and food shelf-life extension, 5) Establish for the first time a methodology on Biofortification strategies on MAP in Cyprus for the production of added-value products, 6) Train early stage researchers and professionals but also Packinghouse owners and herbal/cosmetics owners in MAP sector and essential oil usages. The consortium comprised of the Cyprus University of Technology, E.U.C. Research Centre Ltd, Savvas Antoniou (Siakolos Farm) and Development Agency of Lemesos Ltd ensures the success of the project. Support from the University of Athens, University of Belgrade, and NCSR «DEMOKRITOS» for the nutritive value determination and for the high-tech hydroponic installations/expertise further enhances Opti-AromaQ appeal and potential to stimulate the high added value and ecofriendly innovation in the MAP sector.