observatornews.ro/economic/leguma-exotica-benefica

Costel Vînătoru, a Romanian researcher, has dedicated nearly 40 years to preserving local plant varieties and has developed over 100 patents. He founded a genetic resources bank that conserves over 20,000 plant varieties, including the bitter cucumber, beneficial for diabetics. Despite job offers abroad, he chose to stay in Romania for personal reasons. Vînătoru's journey began in his childhood, leading him from unskilled labor to becoming a horticulture doctor. His work focuses on rehabilitating neglected species and introducing new ones to Romania. He has received multiple awards for his contributions to horticulture and is also a priest, reflecting his diverse interests and commitments.