DANUBEcare

The DANUBEcare team proudly participated in the 67th International Fair of Technics and Technical Achievements in Belgrade, presenting innovative products and solutions developed as part of the project.

Visitors had the opportunity to learn more about the DANUBEcare project and explore our innovative products made from invasive crayfish, including marinated crayfish meat and crayfish pâtés. Through these innovations, we are demonstrating how invasive species can be transformed into valuable resources while supporting sustainable development in the Danube region. 🌍 🦞

A big thank you to everyone who visited our stand and showed interest in sustainable solutions for the Danube region!

Фонд за науку Републике Србије - Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia Naučni institut za prehrambene tehnologije u Novom Sadu

🦞 The workshop “Innovations with Crayfish: From Raw Material to Product” was successfully held at the Institute of Food Technology, bringing together industry representatives and scientific community to gain insights into the possibilities of utilizing crayfish meat and shells for innovative applications in food, animal feed, wastewater treatment, and sustainable packaging.

The event fostered inspiring discussions, knowledge exchange, and networking among participants. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this workshop a success!

Фонд за науку Републике Србије - Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia Naučni institut za prehrambene tehnologije u Novom Sadu Tehnološki fakultet Novi Sad Prirodno-matematički fakultet Novi Sad (zvanična stranica) Sladjana Rakita

During the PTEP 2026 Conference, our colleague Milica Vidosavljević presented the latest findings from our project and her PhD research.
This time, the focus was on evaluating how different marinades affect the sensory quality of spiny-cheek crayfish meat, an important step toward mitigating the negative impact of this invasive species through its smart and sustainable utilization.
The results are promising and provide a solid foundation for future research and potential applications.

Фонд за науку Републике Србије - Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia

Stefan Šmugović, a member of the DANUBEcare team and a Research Associate at the Faculty of Sciences, has contributed a short article for Geonatur.

🦞 🍴 🍽 In the article he highlights the invasive spiny-cheek crayfish as a high-quality protein source with great potential in modern cuisine. Instead of being seen only as a threat to the ecosystem, it can be reimagined as a sustainable ingredient on our plates. Its meat, especially the tail, can be the star of dishes like risottos, pasta, ravioli, or even contemporary fine-dining creations, while the shells and heads provide a rich base for different sauces. When dried and ground, the shells become an aromatic powder that enhances texture and intensifies seafood flavours.

This zero-waste approach not only reduces kitchen waste but also unlocks deeper, more complex flavours, showing how modern gastronomy can successfully unite creativity, taste, and sustainability.

📖 To read the full article, click here: https://shorturl.at/EryQj

Фонд за науку Републике Србије - Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia Prirodno-matematički fakultet Novi Sad (zvanična stranica)

🥈 From invasive species to award-winning cuisine!

At the South European Culinary Championship in Thessaloniki this March, held under the Worldchefs association, Stefan Šmugović, a member of the DANUBEcare team from Gastronomy Department at the Faculty of Sciences, earned a SILVER medal in the sustainable fish dish category, competing among top professional chefs from across Europe.

🦞 What truly sets this achievement apart? A key ingredient in his dish came from the DANUBEcare project, powder made from the shell of the invasive spiny-cheek crayfish. By incorporating it into multiple elements, the dish gained enhanced nutritional value, a unique flavor profile, and a powerful message of full sustainability.

This innovative approach caught the attention of renowned international judges, who awarded it a silver medal and showed great interest in the product.

A strong reminder that even environmental challenges can become opportunities, and that the invasive crayfish has a place in high-end gastronomy.

👏 Congratulations to Stefan, we’re excited to see what’s next!

Фонд за науку Републике Србије - Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia Prirodno-matematički fakultet Novi Sad (zvanična stranica)

DanubeCare project team continues with project activities, and this time, marinated crayfish is served on a plate! 🍴 🍽
🦞 Crayfish meat is nutritionally very valuable. It has a high protein content and low fat level, which allows it to be classified as lean meat.

However, to ensure a longer shelf life, it is necessary to find adequate preservation methods. 🔬
Marination is one of the most commonly used preservation techniques in the meat industry and may also be suitable for crayfish meat.

So what is the next step? Now we just need to wait for the shelf-life results, and maybe enjoy another taste in the meantime.

Фонд за науку Републике Србије - Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia Naučni institut za prehrambene tehnologije u Novom Sadu

📢 Exciting news! Our latest review paper on crustacean shell waste has just been published! 🦞🌍

We explored how millions of tons of crustacean shells produced every year, traditionally seen as waste, can be transformed into valuable materials. From biodegradable packaging to adsorbents for water treatment, these shells are rich in chitin, protein, and calcium carbonate, offering sustainable solutions for multiple industries. ♻️

Our analysis highlights the potential of chitosan films for packaging with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, and confirms that crustacean shell waste is a low-cost, eco-friendly adsorbent for removing heavy metals from water.

💡 Turning waste into resources is a key step toward a circular economy and reducing environmental pollution!

👉 Read the full review here: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3298/13/1/54

Naučni institut za prehrambene tehnologije u Novom Sadu Tehnološki fakultet Novi Sad Senka Popović Vesna Vasic Ivana Čabarkapa

Фонд за науку Републике Србије - Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia

✨ The DANUBEcare team wishes you happy holidays filled with peace, joy, and good health, and a joyful and successful New Year. Thank you for being part of our journey! ✨