Italy: CREA plans agriculture to meet consumer demands

Citrus fruit, and oranges in particular, are widely recognised by consumers as essential elements of a well-balanced diet, as they are primary sources of vitamin C and other antioxidant substances useful to our bodies.

Among these, Tarocco, Moro and Sanguinello blood oranges, which have a higher content of antioxidant substances, have particular beneficial effects on our health and help prevent some diseases.

"Crea Acireale is currently focusing on research activities to obtain new varieties with sizes, colours and flavours that meet consumer demands and that are rich in vitamins, mineral salts, fibre and antioxidants at the same time," explains Director Paolo Rapisarda. 

"Over the past few years, the Centre has been selecting and studying new blood orange clones with excellent properties (intense yet delicate aroma, bright red colour, sweet acidic flavour) and with a higher vitamin C, anthocyanin and polyphenol content."

Juice and extracts - rich in anthocyanins and other antioxidant components (vitamin C, flavonoids, hydrooxycinnamic acids) - were analysed to assess their properties. A recent study conducted in cooperation with the Istituto Europeo di Oncologia di Milano (IEO), showed that ingesting Moro orange juice or anthocyanin extract deriving from the juice itself can significantly reduce fat accumulation in mice subjected to enriched diets. Water and blonde orange juice did not produce the same results. 

The use of standardised blood orange extract as an ingredient for cosmetic products was also assessed to evaluate its photoprotective capacity. Results showed a higher skin inhibition compared to a tocopherol-based (vitamin E) commercial cosmetic formula. It could therefore be used for high protection sunscreens.

"Among product innovations developed by CREA Acireale in 2016, we started the procedure to patent two new tangerine-like hybrids. The first, "Sun Red", was obtained by crossing "Oroval" clementines and "Morò" oranges, and can be considered a superfruit. Its anthocyanin level is in fact 3-4 times that of "Morò", the orange variety with the highest anthocyanin content. The second, "Bellini" is a crossbreed of "Monreal" clementines and grapefruit and is particularly suitable to make fresh juices thanks to its high sugar content and slight bitter aftertaste. Its furanocumarin content is 10 times lower than of traditional grapefruit juices."

Furanocumarins are compounds that can alter a medicine's metabolism, causing undesired side effects. It is precisely why grapefruit juice consumption has dropped, especially among the older generations usually subject to therapies and medications. Thanks to its low furanocumarin level, "Bellini" could therefore be suitable for the juice market as an alternative to grapefruit juice.

"In order to make Crea's innovations meet market demands, we must combine our scientific knowledge with the economic interests of all actors along the chain."

This is why Crea wants to start long and medium term partnerships with companies and public bodies willing to cooperate and share their know-how for the development of initiatives relevant in the citrus fruit sector. The subjects involved are Crea, technical services of the Assessorato dell'Agricoltura della Regione Siciliana, Producer Organisations and large citrus fruit producers. This is the objective of the meeting organised by Crea Acireale 'Progettiamo insieme la nuova agrumicoltura' to be held on 29th March.