Identification & Background:
Project title: Rescuing acorns as a Mediterranean traditional superfood
Region of intervention: PRIMA/0006/2022
Main objective: MEDACORNET spearheads the Mediterranean diet by innovating with acorn-based products and digital platforms, connecting every aspect of the production chain. We’re revolutionising food possibilities, catering to general consumers, those with gluten-related disorders, vegans/vegetarians, and health-conscious individuals. Our approach not only delivers essential nutrients but also addresses weight-related concerns by introducing gluten-free options like acorn-based foods.
In line with evolving consumer habits centred around health and eco-consciousness, MEDACORNET focuses on understanding food benefits, reducing environmental footprints, and repurposing acorn by-products for sectors like nutraceuticals. By championing short Forest-to-Fork value chains, we’re ensuring regional markets access locally sourced, sustainable ingredients, securing food sovereignty in today’s socio-economic landscape.
Benificiary entities:
LandraTech (Líder do Projeto)
Parceiros:
Instituto Politécnico de Leiria
Instituto Politécnico de Bragança
MORE CoLAB – Laboratório Colaborativo Montanhas de Investigação
University of Bari
University of Osijek
Abdelmalek Essaâdi University
University of Tunis El Manar
Mechanics Laboratory Computational- University of Tlemcen
GEOAI ANALYTICS, S.L
Approval date: 2023-04-17
Start date: 2023–07-01
Conclusion date: 2026-06-30
Total eligible investment: 1 251 600,04 €
Financial support of the European Union: 1 251 600,04 €
Objetives
Product Development: Create new products based on acorns, historically considered a Mediterranean superfood, to promote a healthier diet.
Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet: Improve adherence to the Mediterranean diet through these new products, encouraging healthier eating habits.
Promotion of Stakeholders in Production: Highlight and valorise participants involved in the production and transformation of acorns, recognising their role in food sustainability.
Data Collection: Generate data to develop dietary guidelines and promotion strategies, aiming to use acorns as an ingredient in healthy and sustainable Mediterranean diets.
Valorisation of Acorns: Enhance the value chain of acorns, a traditionally wasted ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, and harness their potential.
Diverse Outcomes: Produce results in various complementary areas to strengthen the valorisation of acorns, focussing on the conservation of native Mediterranean forests.
Ativities
The activities to be carried out are described as follows:
WP1: Survey and collection of acorns from the Mediterranean region.
WP2: Design of a line for processing acorns into gluten-free edible granules.
WP3: Biochemical, nutritional and functional characterization of acorns and acorn flour/granules from different species.
WP4: Study of storage and preservation conditions for acorn flour.
WP5: Development of innovative methods to produce new acorn-based foods.
WP6: Preliminary evaluation of the by-products of acorn processing for wider industrial applications.
WP7: Communication, dissemination, impact assessment and exploitation.
WP8: Project management.
Expected results
– Analysis of the distribution of Mediterranean oak forests and the acorn value chain and mapping of stakeholders.
– Processing tannin-rich acorns into edible flour/granules.
– Incorporating acorn ingredients into food products.
– Characterization of acorns, acorn extracts/ingredients and final food products.
– Digital marketplace for acorn trade.
– Adoption of acorns as a sustainable and healthy Mediterranean food ingredient.
