High-value molecules from Cynara cardunculus L.

Abstract

"Cynara cardunculus L. also known as cardoon or thistle flower is a plant endemic to the Mediterranean basin region. In some countries, the flower of cardoon is harvested and used as milk clotting agent in traditional cheese manufacturing. This process occurs due to the activity of aspartic proteases (APs) present in the flower, known as cardosins and cyprosins. Despite this economic importance, the use of cardoon for industrial cheese manufacturing is still hampered by variability in cardoon populations which leads to unpredictability in the milk clotting process thus affecting control over the final product. "