ciTechCare researchers participate in the Erasmus RACINE+ project through a workshop developed within the FRUIGU project

On June 3rd, several ciTechCare researchers were invited to participate in a workshop integrated into the activities of the Erasmus RACinE+ project, organized by Pinhal do Rei Secondary School in Marinha Grande.

The workshop, led by Marisa Gaspar, principal investigator of the FRUIGU project – Fruit-based Innovative Gummies: A Health-Promoting and Sustainable Approach – aimed to raise awareness about food waste and the development and benefits of new food products using sustainable approaches, in this case through the valorization of regional fruit waste. These objectives are also aligned with those of the RACinE+ project, which focuses on promoting sustainable development and preserving regional cultural heritage while engaging students from several countries.

The workshop was also supported by Solange Castanheira, a Research Fellow at ciTechCare, and Miguel Colaço, a Biotechnology student currently undertaking an internship at ciTechCare. The session included a brief theoretical presentation introducing the FRUIGU project, followed by a practical demonstration of the gummy production process and, finally, a hedonic tasting session of the gummies.

This initiative also sought to bring the public closer to the scientific community, highlighting innovative approaches and sustainable food alternatives.