The Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Industrial de Cantabria (Cantabria Industrial Research and Technology Centre, CITICAN), supported by the Universidad Europea del Atlantico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO), launched in November the research project “+VidAanchoa». This project focuses on the study and improvement of the shelf life of semi-preserved anchovies. The research is led by Dr.Sandra Sumalla, expert in Advances in Science and Food Biotechnology, and Doctor Iñaki Elío, director of the degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics (NHD).
The team is supported by students of the degree in Food Science and Technology, who integrate their participation in the project as part of their Final Work of Experimental Degree. It is also supported by the Society for Regional Development of Cantabria (SODERCAN).
The initiative is part of the region’s circular economy promotion programme and has a threefold objective: to strengthen the local canning sector, provide solutions that add value and reduce waste and improve the competitiveness of the region’s canned fish.
Anchovy is an emblematic product of the canning industry in Cantabria. Therefore, the objective of the project “+VidAanchoa” is to investigate the shelf life of 4 in semi-preserve by studying its variation in lipid (fat) levels of fish throughout the year and its susceptibility to oxidation.
To achieve this, the following method will be followed: first, samples of anchovies caught at different times of the year shall be collected. Once this process has been carried out, its oxidative stability is evaluated using the Oxiest reactor, an advanced technology that allows the oxidation of fats and oils in an accelerated and precise way. In parallel, the effect of natural antioxidants, based on plant extracts and whey, on the shelf life and sensory quality of anchovies will be investigated.
In summary, the project “+VidAanchovy» is a key initiative that, thanks to the support of SODERCAN and the involvement of young researchers, will apply food science to ensure a more competitive and sustainable future.