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An RMIT innovation uses ultrasound to extract leaf protein from discarded cauliflower leaves, identifying a potential new use for vegetable scraps.<\/p>\n
The process could help food manufacturers turn vegetable waste into protein ingredients, reducing waste and adding value to existing crops.<\/p>\n
The early-stage research found that high-power ultrasound increased dry matter yield and improved protein recovery from the leaves, while different processing settings changed the final concentrate\u2019s particle size, colour, solubility and structure.<\/p>\n
Cauliflower leaves are abundant but often discarded during processing, despite containing protein and dietary fibre. The resulting leaf protein concentrate could have future food and animal feed applications.<\/p>\n
Lead researcher Professor Asgar Farahnaky from RMIT\u2019s School of Science said the team used cauliflower leaves from a commercial farm in western Melbourne to test different ways of processing the waste to see how much protein they could recover.<\/p>\n
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They found that ultrasound improved protein recovery from the leaves.<\/p>\n
\u201cUltrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to disrupt plant cell walls and help release protein from the leaves,\u201d Farahnaky said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is growing interest in alternative protein sources, and using existing waste streams could be a practical way to meet that demand without requiring additional production.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said further work was needed to test the process at pilot scale, assess energy efficiency and evaluate sensory acceptability in food products.<\/p>\n
Study lead author and RMIT PhD candidate Kinjal Furia said the research was about adding value to what was already in the system.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we can use food waste streams more effectively, we can reduce environmental impacts while responding to growing interest in alternative protein sources,\u201d Furia said.<\/p>\n
The researchers acknowledge support from Harvest Moon, which supplied the cauliflower leaves, and The Leaf Protein Co., which provided in-kind contribution to the project.<\/p>\n
Organisations interested in partnering with RMIT researchers can contact\u00a0research.partnerships@rmit.edu.au<\/a>.<\/p>\n