Revaluing patxa: innovation, sustainability and technology transfer at the service of the cider sector
At Leartiker, one of our fundamental commitments is to promote innovation applied to the agri-food sector, especially in those areas where tradition and technology can meet to generate new opportunities. Along these lines, we have developed a project focused on the valorisation of apple patxa, the solid by-product generated during the cider production process, with the aim of transforming it into a useful raw material for the creation of new low-alcoholic fermented beverages.
Why patxa?
Patxa, which is mainly composed of apple pulp, peel and seeds, has historically been considered a waste product with little added value. However, from a perspective of circular economy and integral use of resources, this by-product has an interesting potential to be reused in fermentation processes, providing flavour, body and functional properties to new beverages.
Development of the project
During the project, controlled fermentation trials were carried out using patxa as a base, exploring different process conditions, fermentation times and other variables. Subsequently, the developed prototypes were experimentally bottled to evaluate their stability, sensory profile and potential market acceptance.
This work has made it possible not only to demonstrate the technical feasibility of using patxa as the main ingredient in innovative drinks, but also to open new ways of diversification for cider producers, especially in a context where drinks with low or no alcohol content are gaining prominence among consumers.
Technology transfer to the sector
One of the main pillars of the project has been the transfer of knowledge to the producing sector. To this end, we organised meetings with several local cider makers, in which we shared the results obtained, presented the prototypes developed and generated spaces for dialogue and joint reflection.
The response from the cider makers has been very positive: they particularly valued the fact of receiving direct technical feedback, based on real data and applicable to their activity, as well as the possibility of exploring new product lines based on a resource that is already part of their production process.
Results available for everyone
At Leartiker we have managed to meet all the objectives set for this project: from the technical validation of the process to the generation of useful and transferable knowledge. As part of our commitment to transparency, collaboration and open innovation, we have made the complete results of the project available to the entire interested community, which can be freely consulted on our website.
This project is yet another example of how applied research, collaborative work and a sustainable vision can converge to generate real value in the territory.
The PATXAFERM project has been funded through the BERRIKER programme (Basque Government - Department of Food, Rural Development, Agriculture and Fisheries), which in its line 2 promotes the generation of knowledge for its transfer to the sector and dissemination for the agricultural and forestry sectors and carried out by agents of the Basque Science, Technology and Innovation Network.
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