2023 journal article
Current Status and Nutritional Value of Green Leaf Protein
Nutrients.
MeSH headings : Plant Leaves / chemistry; Crops, Agricultural; Nutritive Value; Plant Proteins / metabolism; Minerals / analysis
open access via www.mdpi.com (publisher PDF)
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
2. Zero Hunger
(Web of Science)
3. Good Health and Well-being
(Web of Science)
Source: ORCID
Added: March 9, 2023
Green leaf biomass is one of the largest underutilized sources of nutrients worldwide. Whether it is purposely cultivated (forage crops, duckweed) or upcycled as a waste stream from the mass-produced agricultural crops (discarded leaves, offcuts, tops, peels, or pulp), the green biomass can be established as a viable alternative source of plant proteins in food and feed processing formulations. Rubisco is a major component of all green leaves, comprising up to 50% of soluble leaf protein, and offers many advantageous functional features in terms of essential amino acid profile, reduced allergenicity, enhanced gelation, foaming, emulsification, and textural properties. Nutrient profiles of green leaf biomass differ considerably from those of plant seeds in protein quality, vitamin and mineral concentration, and omega 6/3 fatty acid profiles. Emerging technological improvements in processing fractions, protein quality, and organoleptic profiles will enhance the nutritional quality of green leaf proteins as well as address scaling and sustainability challenges associated with the growing global demand for high quality nutrition.