RIRDC Completed Projects in 2000-2001 & Research in Progress as at June 2001

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2.1 ASIAN FOODS  -  Completed Projects
PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION

Asian Vegetable Production and Postharvest
 

DAN-125A	Agronomic and physiological studies on Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) for export to Asia	Dr Vong Nguyen	(02) 4348 1927	Dept of Agriculture NSW
DAT-34A	Evaluation and development of Wasabi production for the East Asian market	Angela Sparrow	(03) 6336 5349	Dept of Primary Industries, Water & Environment
UCQ-9A	Improved management practices for culinary bamboo shoots - local and export markets	David Midmore	(07) 4930 9770	Central Queensland University
DAV-153A	Diversifying Asian vegetable markets II - Asian vegetables in every household	Graeme Thomson & Wendy Morgan	(03) 9210 9222	Dept of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic)

Asian Food Product Development
 

DAQ-233A

Development of an efficient technology for the production of Asian-style tempeh-based snack food

Dr B Wijesinghe & Mr S Kwee

(07) 3406 8573

Dept of Primary Industries (Qld)

Asian Vegetable Production and Postharvest


Project Title:	Agronomic and physiological studies on Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) for export to Asia
RIRDC Project No.:	DAN-125A
Researcher:	Dr Vong Nguyen
Organisation:	NSW Department of Agriculture Horticultural Research and Advisory Station Locked Bag 26 GOSFORD NSW 2250
Phone:	(02) 4348 1927
Fax:	(02) 4348 1910
Email:	vong.nguyen@agric.nsw.gov.au
Objectives	· To study production, post harvest handling and processing of Lotus in China. · To establish a standard procedure to assess rhizome quality. · To determine cultural and environmental conditions for optimum yield and quality. · To produce grower guidelines and gross margins for Australian production.
Background	Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera GAERTN.) is a perennial, aquatic crop grown and consumed throughout Asia. Young flower stalks, seeds and rhizomes are all edible and flowers are used in religious ceremonies. The largest market exists for rhizomes, which are a new crop to Australia, and there is currently only one small fledgling farm in Casino that has been producing Lotus since 1996. This farm is experiencing many problems with yield and quality due to a lack of knowledge and experience.  The Japanese alone use over 70,000 t annually with a wholesale value of more than A$400 million. Domestic production in Japan is now falling due to increased pressure on agricultural land resulting in importation of Lotus with more than 16,000 t annually, valued at more than ¥1 billion, equivalent to approximately A$15 million. If Australia could provide just 1% of the Japanese wholesale market, we would earn A$4 million for our horticultural industry. As Lotus is widely consumed throughout Asia, there is an ever-increasing market opportunity. As the standards of living and disposable incomes increase throughout Asia, opportunities to market Australian-grown Lotus will also increase. Opportunities also exist for value-adding by processing parts of Lotus plants. The young flower stalk can be pickled, seeds can be roasted or candied, rhizomes can be frozen or sliced and combined with other vegetables such as carrot and red capsicum in stir-fry mix packs. If Australian producers can supply 1,000 t per annum of good quality Lotus rhizomes for domestic markets and capture about 1% of Japanese markets, this would establish an Australian industry valued at approximately A$8 million per annum.
Research	Research presented in this report has focussed on agronomic and physiological characteristics and growing techniques for one type of Lotus - Lotus for rhizomes, which are the major product at market places. Our research has also investigated Japanese and other South East Asian markets to determine if good quality Australian Lotus rhizome products can penetrate these markets.
Outcomes	The opportunity for production of high quality Lotus rhizomes is demonstrated via several means – cultivation techniques, variety and postharvest technologies. Growing guidelines have been written and are available for Australian Lotus producers to assist them in becoming economically-viable. A germplasm pool of three Lotus types, including Lotus for rhizomes, seed and flowers has also been established. One Australian company has adopted these guidelines, setting up another project to produce commercial quantities of good quality Lotus rhizomes together with Lotus flowers for domestic markets. However, exportation of Lotus rhizomes, particularly to Japan, is still unachievable due to rhizome quality and more work is required on variety and growing media.

Project Title:	Evaluation and development of Wasabi production for the East Asian market
RIRDC Project No:	DAT-34A
Researcher:	Angela Sparrow
Organisation:	Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment PO Box 46 KINGS MEADOW TAS 7249
Phone:	(03) 6336 5349
Fax:	(03) 6336 5455
Email:	Angela.Sparrow@dpiwe.tas.gov.au
Objectives	To assist in the commercialisation of wasabi production in Tasmania through: · Location of plant material to enable trials to be scaled up to semi-commercial size; · Expansion of existing sites to allow for semi-commercial assessment of agronomic techniques; · Market evaluation of mature stems from sites already developed.
Background	An earlier RIRDC project DAT25A (Evaluation and Commercialisation of wasabi and horseradish production for the South East Asian Market) identified areas of Tasmania which were suitable for wasabi production. Tasmania's reputation for its clean environment and its ability to produce Asian vegetables in the off season were considered a marketing advantage.
Research	Trials were scaled up to semi-commercial size to determine yield estimates and conduct market evaluation of the product. Agronomic practices were assessed during the growth cycle of the crop and factors for improving crop husbandry determined. Both seed and vegetative propagation techniques were examined.
Outcomes	The product gained acceptance on the Australian domestic market. Seed handling, storage and germination requirements were identified and documented. A guide for the production of soil- grown wasabi was prepared. The need for yield improvement based on varietal selection was recognised and selection made from existing material. Communication with contact persons in Japan and USA for the introduction of alternative varieties was initiated.
Implications	Scale up of trials to semi-commercial size demonstrated that Tasmania has conditions suitable to the production of soil- grown wasabi. The response from the market to sales of the product has been overwhelming. The Tasmanian product is considered superior to frozen imports or the prepared wasabi pastes and powders currently available. There has also been great interest from growers keen to develop this niche industry. Improvements in product quality due to varietal selection have potential to produce a 4-fold increase in yield. The market also seeks a supply of water-grown wasabi, which is the next developmental step for the Tasmanian product. Potential exists to develop a tissue culture business to provide high quality virus free planting material for the expanding wasabi industry.
Publications	Buntain,M, Barber M and Sparrow, A. 'Wasabi Production Guide' Prepared by the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment. March 2001. Clark, N and Sparrow, A 'Wasabi Tasmania' Information sheet prepared by the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment. Display and tasting presented at 'Taste the Harvest' Food and Wine Festival. Devonport, Tasmania. April 2000 Clark, N and Sparrow, A 'Tasmanian Wasabi ' Brochure prepared by the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment. Display and tasting presented at 'Taste the Harvest' Food and Wine Festival. Devonport, Tasmania. March 2001. Clark N, Sparrow A. and Hart, M. 'Tasmanian Vegetables'. Poster and wasabi tasting prepared by the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment. National Caterer's Convention and Trade Exhibition ,Wrest Point Casino Hobart October, 2000. Sparrow, A. 'Wasabi Production in Tasmania'. Information sheet prepared by the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment. Presented at 'Alternatives in Agriculture' forum Launceston, Tasmania November 2000.
Project Title		Improved management practices for culinary bamboo shoots - local and export markets
RIRDC Project No.:		UCQ-9A
Researcher:		Professor David J. Midmore
Organisation:		School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Central Queesland University, Rockhampton, Qld 4702, Australia
Phone:		(07) 4930 9770
Fax:		(07) 4930 9255
Email:		d.midmore@cqu.edu.au
Internet:		http://science.cqu.edu.au/psg/
Objectives		· Given the increasing demand for bamboo shoots, to build upon current production practice developed during the first phase of this project that enables object culm culling, irrigation, fertiliser and post-harvest practices that maximise volume and duration of shoot production, water use efficiency, storage duration and availability of fresh produce for the local and export markets.
Background		There is much interest in Australia in the production of fresh bamboo shoots for the local and export markets, yet individuals’ efforts to establish a viable industry in the past have been disjointed and ineffective. The range of climate conditions across Australia ensure that shoot production, taking advantage of the seasonality differences between running and clumping species, can extend for close to eight months of each year. Our earlier research has emphasised the need to manage irrigation when rainfall is insufficient to maintain optimal growth rates in bamboo.
Research		From 1997 to 2000, research has been conducted in Qld and NT on the most important issues raised by growers in a preceding workshop. Those topics range from identification of irrigation regimes to issues of cultivation practices, post-harvest storage, and marketing and production economy.
Outcomes		1. We organised an industry-wide workshop with the express purpose of bringing all interested in the bamboo industry together, and to discuss and vote upon the setting up of the Australian Commercial Bamboo Corporation and the Bamboo Society of Australia, to service the needs of the industry and others interested in bamboo. 2. We collated information from relevant overseas reports on bamboo agronomy, and published that in a readily accessible format. 3. We enhanced understanding of water management for bamboo through field trials at Northern Territory and Eumundi (Qld) and in the glasshouse at Rockhampton and from a waste-water reuse trial. 4. Clarification of culm-thinning and development of nutrient management practices suitable for clumping bamboo species was undertaken. 5. Simple post-harvest practices following, or not, peeling of shoots were tested on-farm and under controlled conditions. The treatments included forced air chilling or hydro cooling and assessments of relative water loss through cut or undamaged surfaces of the shoot, and of transpirational weight loss versus respirational weight losses, were made.
Implications		The data collected within this project go a long way to satisfying the demand by the industry for sound production and post-harvest management procedures. With these in hand, the industry needs to investigate overseas and national market opportunities for the nascent industry. Further research is required on the potential benefits of: -  · Fertigation · Maintenance of all culms at <3 years of age (for shoot and pulp) · Within population variability in vigour and shoot quality · Marker-assisted selection for shoot and culm qualities · Rapid, cheap production of planting materials to supply the timber industry · Cooperation with overseas research institutes.
Publications		Midmore, D.J. (1997). Bamboo. In: The New Rural Industries. (Ed. Hyde, K.) RIRDC, Canberra, Australia. pp. 188-195. Midmore, D.J., Walsh, K.B., Kleinhenz, V., Milne, J.R., Leonardi, J. and Blackburn, K. (1998). Culinary Bamboo shoots in Australia, preliminary research results. RIRDC Publication Number 98/45, Kingston, ACT Australia, 44p. Midmore, D.J. (Ed.) (1998). Bamboo for shoots and timber. RIRDC publication 98/32, Barton, ACT 2600, Australia.66 pp. Midmore, D.J. (1998). Workshop on bamboo for shoot and timber. Access to Asian Foods, 2: 8. Elsmore, S. A. M., Lyall, T., Kleinhenz, V., Midmore, D. J., 1998: Crop management, postharvest and packaging for preserving freshness and reducing pathogens in edible bamboo shoots. In: Book of Abstracts. 4th Australian Horticulture Conference. 'Managing our future' for Innovation, Sustainability, Continuity, 14-17 October, 1998. Australian Society of Horticultural Science, Melbourne, Australia, 34. Midmore, D.J. (1999). Bamboo organizations take shape. Good Fruit and Vegetables, January 1999. Kleinhenz, V. (1999) Maximising freshness but minimising microbial food safety hazards in fresh bamboo shoots. Australian New Crops Newsletter, 11, 96-97. Kleinhenz, V., Tomkins, B., Mason, K., Frisina, C., Lodge, G. and Midmore, D.J. (1999). Maximising shelf-life of chinese water chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis (Burm.f.) Hensch). 1999 Australasian Postharvest conference, Waitangi, New Zealand, 4-8 October. Kleinhenz, V., Gosbee, M., Elsmore, S., Lyall, T.W., Blackburn, K., Harrower, K.,  Midmore, D.J. (2000). Storage methods for extending shelf life of fresh, edible bamboo shoots [Bambusa oldhamii (Munro)], Postharvest Biology and Technology. 19: 253-264. Midmore, D.J. and Kleinhenz, V. (2000). Physiological studies on edible bamboo.Asian Foods Newsletter, 6: 6-8 . Kleinhenz, V. and Midmore, D.J. (2000). Estimating water usage of bamboo. Access to Asia, 29: 1-2. Kleinhenz, V. and Midmore, D.J. (2001). Aspects of bamboo agronomy. Advances in Agronomy. 74: 99-153. Kleinhenz, K., Milne, J., K. Walsh, K.B. and Midmore, D.J. (2001). Effects of irrigation and N fertilization on soil water and soil nutrient status, and on growth, yield and quality of bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens). Submitted to Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology.

Project Title	Diversifying Asian vegetable markets II - Asian vegetables in every household
RIRDC Project No:	DAV-153A
Researcher:	Graeme Thomson and Wendy Morgan
Organisation:	Institute for Horticultural Development, Knoxfield Private Bag 15 Scoresby Business Centre VIC 3176
Phone:	(03) 9210 9222
Fax:	(03) 9800 3521
Email:	graeme.thomson@nre.vic.gov.au wendy.morgan@nre.vic.gov.au
Objectives	For the industry producing vegetables that are Asian in their origins:  · increase grower knowledge of improved postharvest handling and storage practices. · provide growers with modified atmosphere packaging options. · define product quality through descriptor language. · supply non-English speaking background (NESB) growers with information in their own language. · make NESB growers aware of on-farm chemical use issues.
Background	Improvements in the quality of Asian vegetables grown in Australia will return higher prices for growers, establish Asian vegetables in mainstream supermarkets and open doors to export markets. Improvements in quality can be gained through more extensive industry use of improved postharvest handling and packaging technologies, and better understanding of on-farm chemical use by non-English speaking background (NESB) growers.
Research	· One of the project’s primary tasks was to develop modified atmosphere (MA) packaging for selected Asian vegetables and herbs. This packaging technology uses the plant product’s natural respiration to create a high carbon dioxide, low oxygen atmosphere which extends the life of stored produce. · Quality parameters were determined for Quality Description Language to accurately define quality of produce and provide a framework-enabling sale by description.
Outcomes	· Booklets on postharvest handling produced (in English, Vietnamese & Chinese) & distributed to 260 locations nationwide.  · New MA bags developed for snake beans, hot chillies, perilla, Thai basil, buk choy, baby buk choy, kai choy & kangkong.  · 27 page, quality description language manual produced for bitter melon. · 8 single-page descriptor sheets for garlic chives, perilla, hot mint, chillies, kangkong, coriander, spearmint & Thai basil. · Farm Chemical Users Course for NESB growers. Associated translated documents eg. Farm Chemical Use Records Book.
Implications	Quality of Asian vegetables has been improved, and wastage reduced. Asian vegetables are now a permanent part of the display at mainstream supermarkets. Education on chemical use & application has resulted in safer Asian vegetables for consumers.
Publications	Thomson, G., Winkler, S., Hopkins, F., Vujovic, S., Morgan, W., Toohey, L. & S. Moore. Diversifying Asian vegetable markets-Final report to RIRDC, 187pp. Thomson, G., Morgan, W., Winkler, S. & F. Hopkins. (2000) Diversifying Asian vegetable markets. Access to Asian Foods Newsletter. Issue 6, February. Winkler, S., Hopkins, F. & G. Thomson (2000) Packaging for perilla. Access to Asian Vegetables Newsletter, Issue 30, June. Thomson, G., Winkler, S. & F. Hopkins (2000) Better vegetable quality through improved postharvest handling. Access to Asian Vegetables Newsletter. Part 1- Issue 30, June. Part 2 - Issue 31, July. Vujovic, S., Gosbee, M., Marte, S., Thomson, G., Chew, M. & W. Morgan. Bitter Melon - Quality Description Language. 27pp. Thomson, G., Winkler, S., Hopkins, F. & W. Morgan. Single page quality descriptor sheets for Chillies, Coriander, Garlic Chives, Hot Mint, Kangkong, Perilla, Spearmint & Thai Basil.

Asian Food Product Development

Project Title:	Development of an efficient technology for the production of Asian-style tempeh-based snack food
RIRDC Project No:	DAQ-233A
Researcher:	Dr Bandu Wijesinghe & Mr Seng Kwee
Organisation:	Centre for Food Technology Department of Primary Industries, Qld 19 Hercules Street HAMILTON QLD 4007
Phone:	(07) 3406 8573 (07) 3406 8603
Fax:	(07) 3406 8698 (07) 3406 8699
Email:	wijesib@dpi.qld.gov.au kwees@dpi.qld.gov.au
Objectives	To increase the volume, range and consumption of Asian-style foods made from Australian soybeans: 1. By developing cost efficient processing technologies for the production of Asian-style tempeh based snack food developed under project No. DAQ-174A. 2. Facilitate effective technology transfer and adoption through the early involvement of the industry.
Background	Tempeh is a popular Indonesian fermented food containing cooked soybeans. This type of product is gaining interest worldwide. It is high in protein content, requires minimal cooking and easily digested and assimilated by the body. However the product has a limited shelf life and needs refrigeration for storage. To overcome these problems a range of secondary tempeh products, shelf stable tempeh-based snack food were developed at the Centre for Food Technology under the RIRDC funded project DAQ-174A. The current project is specifically aimed at developing cost efficient processing technology for the commercial scale production of Asian-style tempeh-based snack foods developed under the previous project.
Research	The research has been carried out in close consultation with the industry partner – Simply Better Foods Pty Ltd (SBF) starting from the refinement of the original formulation and to the trial run of snack foods production at its production facility in Melbourne. The use of dehulled split beans as raw material for tempeh production was evaluated. A reusable metal tray was also developed for tempeh fermentation. The production processes of temeph based snack foods have been studied in detail to evaluate critical parameters with the ultimate aim to identify the most appropriate pieces of equipment for commercial production. Shelf life studies of plain and mixed-peel tempeh bars, packed in three different types of packaging materials, were carried out for over six months.
Outcomes	Two cost efficient processing technologies for the production of tempeh bars and crackers were developed. The tempeh bars and crackers productions were demonstrated at SBF manufacturing plan. The products were tasted and highly rated by all the employees of the company, as well as by the company’s distribution and marketing agents. Pre-feasibility study confirmed that the manufacture of all three snack-foods using existing equipment at SBF, with minor modifications, is economically feasible. The commercial potential of tempeh-based snack-foods was documented in the submission to RIRDC Business Plan Competition 2000 and was awarded with a $10,000 prize in round one of the competition.
Implications	SBF is very positive about commercialising the tempeh-based snack foods. It has projected strong turnover of approximately $15 million over five years in addition to its current sales levels. If the commercialisation of tempeh-based snack foods proceeds according to the business plan the usage of organically grown soybeans would increase from 15 to 100 tonnes during the first five years. Benefits from the successful commercialisation (of efficient technology for the manufacture of tempeh-based snack foods) are expected to flow back to the growers.