PULSE researches plant-based proteins

Sustainable food development is something people continue to strive for, and this is where plant-based proteins such as legumes come into play. Since they are a good source of protein, PULSE (Protein Utilisation from Legumes for a Sustainable European crop) has been researching and developing protein ingredients from legumes.

PULSE is a collaboration between HAS University of Applied Sciences and contract research organisation NIZO, as well as six other companies: Limagrain, GEA, Cosucra, MFH Pulses, Ruitenberg Ingredients and Sofine Foods. The project manager of the PULSE project, Principal Scientist Protein Functionality at NIZO and Professor of ‘Protein transition in food’ at HAS Fred van de Velde, highlighted the importance of looking at the entire supply chain, from seed breeding to consumer products.

“It is very important that the research focuses on the entire chain,” he said. “This is the only way we can achieve our ambitious goals.”

The PULSE project aims to address the social need to increase vegetable proteins in our food in order to aid food supply in the future. It’s general goals are to: develop peas and faba beans with increased protein content; develop more efficient extraction methods for protein isolates from legumes; and apply these proteins to new food products. Van de Velde stated this might include replacing egg, milk or meat proteins.

The project will also look at the functionality of the proteins in these foods as well as the impact it would have on processing.

It is predicted that crops containing high levels of protein would be financially appealing to farmers who grow these crops.

Dutch Southern Agriculture and Horticulture Organization Senior Project Leader Plant Henny van Gurp stated: “Together with our members, we are continuously searching for possibilities to increase the value of crops. By making protein crops available for human consumption, we can create new value for farmers.”

This project has been integrated into the teaching programs at HAS University of Applied Sciences, starting at the beginning of the academic year in September 2017. The chair of the board of directors, Dick Pouwels, suggested projects such as PULSE are mutually beneficial for both the industry and the university.

“We strongly believe in the power of innovation within the sector and are keen to help companies realise this innovation. And we make conscious decisions with respect to addressing particular societal issues,” he said.