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“We are extracting protein from grass that can be used as food for people,” says research assistant Daniel Stender Nørgaard from DTU Food. Photo: Lisbeth Holten.
Grass on the menu
Protein from grass has an amino acid composition similar to that usually found in animal products.
Proteins in grass can be extracted and used in foods. The Research Group for Microbial Biotechnology and Biorefining at DTU Food has demonstrated this in cooperation with AU Foulum. The amino acid composition in grass is similar to that found in protein sources such as soya, eggs, and whey. However, the environmental and climate impacts of producing grass protein are considerably less.
To extract the protein, the grass is first passed through a screw press that functions like a big juicer. This splits the grass into a fibre-rich dry matter that can be used for cattle feed, and a protein-rich fluid. Subsequent processing of this fluid separates out the proteins, which are then dried to form a powder.
The researchers are continuing their work in the new Innograss project, which is funded by the Green Development and Demonstration Programme (GUDP). Under the project, DTU researchers are joining forces with Aalborg University, Seges, Lihme Protein Solutions, Naturli’ Foods and other partners to find applications for the proteins in foods such as plant-based mince.
Contact: Peter Ruhdal Jensen, Professor, DTU Food, perj@food.dtu.dk, Daniel Stender Nørgaard, research assistant, DTU Food, danstn@food.dtu.dk
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