The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University has identified a potential new use for vegetable scraps.<\/p>\n
An innovation from the institution has used ultrasound technology to extract leaf protein from discarded cauliflower leaves \u2013 a process that could help food manufacturers turn vegetable waste into protein ingredients, reducing waste and adding value to existing crops as a result.<\/p>\n
RMIT\u2019s 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
\u201cUltrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to disrupt plant cell walls and help release protein from the leaves,\u201d said Professor Asgar Farahnaky, lead researcher at RMIT\u2019s School of Science.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is growing interest in alternative protein sources, and using existing waste streams could be a practical way to meet the demand without requiring additional production.\u201d<\/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
Farahnaky 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
He added that further work was needed to test the process at pilot scale, assess energy efficiency and evaluate sensory acceptability in food products.<\/p>\n
Kinjal Furia, study lead author and RMIT PhD candidate, emphasised that 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 she said.<\/p>\n
More information about the research can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Related stories:<\/p>\n VIC council assists local businesses with sustainability program<\/a><\/p>\n