Harvest Value

At DIL, product innovations are developed from broccoli by-products. To this end, literature and market research are used to identify feasible harvesting and processing methods. Based on a consumer survey, the product ideas are narrowed down; the most promising ones are produced on a laboratory scale and optimized for suitability, taste, and shelf life. This is followed by a scale-up to the pilot plant scale to test feasibility and provide products for sensory testing. At the same time, broccoli production chains—both with and without the use of byproducts—are being evaluated to identify potential benefits in terms of GHG emissions and other environmental impacts. To this end, methods, databases, and measurement data from the project partner are being used to conduct mass flow models and a life cycle assessment (LCA/LCIA) and to identify potential offsets. The project partner is also developing a nitrogen-efficient, sustainable cultivation and harvesting concept and examining market and consumer aspects. To ensure rapid implementation in practice, stakeholders along the entire value chain, as well as regional processors and food retailers, are being involved.