Optimal use and valorization of biomass streams from Cichorium

General introduction

The CichOpt project aims at biorefinery of all possible available Cichorium biomass flows (industrial chicory, Belgian Endive, radicchio, regular endive). The aim is to derive sustainable extra raw materials from the by-products and waste fractions. Bio-based product development has many possible faces in the form of different components and applications, but the researchers focus on the functionalities and bio-activities in the Cichorium biomass with a high economic value. This is realistic because most species are rich in a broad set of dietary fibres, sugars and secondary metabolites such as sesquiterpenelactones and polyphenols. The broader underlying objective is to promote the development of a bio-based EU economy that is sustainable and climate resilient.

Research approach

The researchers use the most advanced 'omics' technologies and cleverly designed biorefinery concepts. The aim is to achieve maximum integration: for example, environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient processing, extraction and purification technologies. We carry out an adequate LCA and TEA analysis that provides us with a solid basis to finally select the best concepts.

Relevance/Valorisation

Chicorium crops possess potential from an agronomic point of view: they give good yields, are climate resistant and they could complement traditional EU crop rotations. The project demonstrated that interesting bio-based products could be produced from this biomass. Not only, chicory beer, chicory gin, but also a functional dietary fiber preparation. The aqueous extracts also have anti-microbial and biostimulant activity.