In scope of TRUE´s Work Package 3 activities, the idea to develop a healthy snack based on lentil, a well-adapted legume grain produced in Spain, Germany and other European countries, and that offers great health benefits, was born. Given its nutritional attributes, and processing properties, we considered important to promote lentil consumption in Portugal.
Solintagro aims to promote grain legume cultivation in Mediterranean rain fed low-input farming systems. The aim is to evaluate currently and previously grown grain legume cultivars and landraces for characteristics of importance to sustainable agriculture, giving priority to the best combination of increased yield and resistance to stresses and integrated management.
Slow Food works on giving legumes more value and on raising awareness about their role for a sustainable diet so that they can eventually find their way back into European kitchens.
With the different dietary alternatives based solely on plant protein and nutrients, it is important to gather information on seeds composition, allowing each person to tailor the elements of their diet according to their needs.
Across the EU 20-45 % of food is consumed outside the home. Vegetarian and vegan menus are gaining stronger footholds in the European restaurant scene and consumers want more options.This case study carried out analysis about how supply chains to the food service market are structured and how suppliers of legumes and pulses could engage in the supply chains. We find a strong focus on greening the menus to provide alternatives to meat-based dishes.
The Center for Plant Diversity is home to our experimental legumes for the TRUE Project. Through our bean tour, we share updates on the progress of the trials in the fields and how we hope they will contribute to AgriKulti's overall goals.
The renaissance of the lentil cultivation on the Swabian Alb might be a trend-setting success story and there is still a lot to investigate. Can a story like this happen again with other legumes, or in other European partner countries? The case study reveals and identifies agronomic factors for successful lentil growing which can help to stabilize, optimize and expand lentil cultivation in Europe.
The European retail market is experiencing a rapid and consistent increase in consumer demand for new products made with plant protein. This trend has led to a huge number of new foods made with legumes being introduced across the EU. As an ongoing activity in TRUE project, innovation in the retail market is monitored by Work Package 4 to spot new products.