TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Agriculture's (農業部) Taoyuan District Agricultural Research and Extension Station (桃園區農業改良場) announced on Monday (Oct. 27) a breakthrough in extracting lutein from marigolds and incorporating it into desserts like cream puffs, pancakes, and ice cream. This innovation aims to enhance eye health by providing an alternative source of lutein, a crucial nutrient found in the retina's macula that the human body cannot synthesize.
The research station highlighted in a press release the significance of marigolds as the richest plant source of lutein. However, they noted that its functional components degrade quickly when exposed to light, oxygen, and heat. To address this challenge, the research team developed an "ultrasonic water bath extraction technology," allowing quick lutein extraction at low temperatures using plant oil, thereby improving its bioavailability.
The Lalu Tribe (那羅部落) in Hsinchu County's Jianshi Township (尖石鄉), renowned for their marigold cultivation, has already integrated this new technique into local agro-tourism activities. Visitors can now enjoy desserts enriched with lutein, offering both a taste of local culture and a boost in essential nutrients. The station emphasized that this technology is particularly beneficial for children and the elderly who may struggle with swallowing capsules.