Students create nutritious ketchup and show that the Northeast is proud of its people

It’s hard to think of a better combination for French fries, nuggets, hamburger, and all the other snacks, what a wonderful ketchup. That concentrated and slightly sweetened sauce is the famous “icing on the cake” in savory dishes. Now try to imagine a ketchup that has the same flavor, but that has no dyes, chemical additives, and is made with natural fruits and vegetables. A true “miracle”, isn’t it?

O awesome.club found Natchup, a project developed at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC). In this study, they replaced the traditional ingredients with pumpkin, beetroot and acerola.

The project came directly from the Department of Food Engineering at the University, through Professor Lucicléia Barros. She says that it all started in 2016, when students Thiago Tajra, Bárbara Denise and Carolinne Filizola wanted to create a product that did not have agricultural pesticides — which are physical, chemical, or biological products used in agriculture to control living beings that affect the quality of life. plantation.

The students wanted a sauce similar to ketchup, much acclaimed among Brazilians, but rich in vitamin C. Next, they thought of using acerola, which is antioxidant and rich in vitamin C. Then they used pumpkin so that the product had the consistency and the necessary fiber. Finally, they added the beetroot to give color, and because it is another antioxidant element.

The idea became a research project, financed by the Institutional Program for Scientific Initiation Scholarships (PIBIC). Before reaching its current formulation, Natchup had to go through many versions, totaling 21 variants. After the students graduated, the project continued through other UFC students and faculty.

Acerola can be grown organically, and that means the sodium and sugar that are usually present in traditional ketchup, plummet to less than half. A product that gives you the freedom to consume it without guilt. And, best of all, it tastes good.

A salty food does not mean it is completely sugar free. That’s because he comes “disguised”. A tomato is obviously nutritious, rich in vitamins, magnesium, calcium, etc. The problem with traditional ketchup is the other elements it contains, such as vinegar, salt, chemical additives, preservatives, flavorings, etc.

Ketchup can upset the stomach, especially if you have conditions like an ulcer. One of the most common results of its repeated use is the increase of fat in the liver, in addition to raising triglycerides.

During an event held in Paris, Natchup received the Innovation Sial 2018 seal, offered by the International Food Show (Sial). The product will be negotiated by the company Frutã over a period of 5 years, in a partnership agreed with the University.

Now, in addition to the product being sold here in Brazil, it will travel internationally, such as Portugal, Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, etc. And Natchup is now available online and in select grocery stores.

The project is healthy and also sustainable. The intention is for Natchup to take the research core path towards open consumption. Therefore, a portion of what is collected from sales will be distributed between the UFC and some social entities such as, for example, Lar Torres de Melo.

And you, what did you think of the project? Did you feel like trying this Natchup guy? Leave a comment telling us. 🇧🇷