CALU – GWLAD – JUNE 2005

CALU IS INVESTIGATING SMALL FRUIT CROPS TO IMPROVE THE NATIONS HEALTH.

CALU is seeking novel crops or processes to pioneer under the Centre for Alternative Land Use which can provide alternative or additional revenue streams for land based enterprises in Wales. High incidence of rapid ageing processes in humans is associated with low levels of antioxidants in the body (Vitamin C) and may be lessened by consumption of food with antioxidant properties. Data from Finland shows that increased consumption of small berry fruits has reduced the incidence of chronic illness particularly with reference to heart disease.

Fruit crops are seasonal and processing offers the opportunity for a longer market season. In Finland dried small fruits are routinely added to many foods and the culture of berry collection from wild sources is well established. Dr Colin Norton (Head of Horticultural Development at CALU based at The Welsh College of Horticulture) reports that there are a number of small fruit crops which are or could be grown in Wales. However, the firmer berries provide better drying qualities (e.g. blueberries, cranberries) than the softer berries (e.g. strawberries, raspberries). In Finland small drying ovens are even available even in supermarkets for home preparation of dried fruits.

Dr Norton suggests that processed fruits including dried fruit allow a number of possibilities to contribute to the food processing industry. This includes their use as flavourings and bulking agents as well as visual improvement of many products. These could include bakery products (e.g. cheesecakes, cakes). Other possibilities include dried fruits for sale for direct consumption or for domestic use in the kitchen. Blending of mixtures of dried fruits could also provide variety for the product and an extension of market season.

CALU is working together with ADAS and The Welsh College of Horticulture to promote horticultural crops to help diversify land use in Wales. The ability to grow small fruits in Wales has been demonstrated under the MENTERRA project (blueberries). Marketing and market development remain a principal objective in order to establish a small fruit industry and the development of dried fruit production may be a way to add value to the crop and diversify marketing.