The International Artichoke Symposium

This is the most important scientific event dedicated to vegetables, which has just been held in Orihuela (Spain) and brought together 120 scientists from 12 countries: International Symposium on Artichoke, Cardoon and their Wild Relatives.

 

 

 

This Xth International Artichoke Symposium was organized by Universidad Miguel Hernández with ISHS (International Society of Horticultural Sciences) and the associations Alcachofa de España and Alcachofa de la Vega Baja.

 

 

 

On the program of the symposium were scientific sessions on the latest developments in the sector, technical visits and conferences at the EPSO, the Polytechnic School of Orihuela. Among the topics covered: selection of new varieties, irrigation techniques, sustainable use of water, innovations.

 

 

 

Among the innovations mentioned, a packaging system to maintain the freshness of the product. The system consists of packing artichokes in a macroperforated atmosphere, combining the application of essential oils that have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This helps maintain a good appearance longer and prevent weight loss, in total the freshness and quality of the product is preserved for up to 10 days.

 

 

 

This innovation, part of a doctoral dissertation launched in 2015, is still in the experimental stage. It would improve export opportunities by opening new markets. Spain is the world's third largest producer of artichokes, behind Italy and Egypt, but only 11,000 tonnes were exported from the 225,000 tonnes produced in 2016.