A consortium of five colleges – Aeres University of Applied Sciences , HAS green academy , Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences , Inholland University of Applied Sciences , and Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen – has embarked on a two - yr research project alongside businesses and experts to explore the cultivation and app of duckweed . The polish of the duckweed is take piazza at a bulb grower in Bovenkarspel ( the Netherlands ) in the bins used for cut bloom that remain empty from March to November .
The investigator are enquire how the protein - rich plants can be grow and then sue as a protein reference in nutrient products , purpose to contribute to the protein transition that is full of life for the nutrient organization .
DuckweedDuckweed - based tortillas ? They might just appear in supermarkets shortly . The parties involved in the research undertaking ' Sustainable protein : One more duck ' have high expectations for the plant . Feike van der Leij , professor of Health & Food at Inholland University of Applied Sciences : " Duckweed not only has a mellow protein content but also a much higher production per hectare than like protein sources , such as field beans and soya bean . The industrial plant grows very rapidly . In this project , we are looking for a way of life to domesticate duckweed on a large scale in the Netherlands , so we are no longer strung-out on , for model , soy from the Amazon . "
Business ModelThe consortium of five colleges is aim for a competitive cultivation and processing system for duckweed . Eric de Bruin , prof of Circular Entrepreneurship in the Agrifood Sector at Aeres University of Applied Sciences : " Our chief goal is to develop a healthy business poser that allows us to provide a maximal yield of proteins locally , in a sustainable fashion . " The research labor focus on the polish method , processing of duckweed , its applications programme in nutrient products , and on the public exposure of knowledge .
Students are also tight involved in the project . De Bruin : " International students , in particular , are using this projection for their internship or graduation projection . For example , a student from Nigeria is currently focusing on the cultivation of duckweed . Others are test pesto with a panel , to look into its acceptance among consumer . "
Bulb CultivationUnique to the research undertaking is that it contributes to sustainability in various ways , according to De Bruin . It lead off with the cultivation . " We cultivate the duckweed in an exist organisation of a bulb agriculturist in Bovenkarspel ( the Netherlands ) . The bins for thinned flower are empty there from March to November . That is exactly the grow season for duckweed . So , we do n’t need to work up a novel manufacturing plant ; the substructure is already in place . “HeatDuring that stop of the year , there ’s no need for extra lighting and heating ; the researchers make use of goods and services of the warmth and luminousness of the time of year . Another advantage is that the duckweed can be grown in the Netherlands , on a comparatively small area . " Duckweed is therefore a much more sustainable protein beginning than import Glycine max , or nitty-gritty , " say Van der Leij . " It can really accelerate the protein transition . " Besides the bulb raiser , eleven other companies are involved in the projection , include those specializing in solid food technology and consumer research .
" Ultimately , we desire to process it into various food mathematical product , " De Bruin and Van der Leij look beforehand . " Think of snacks , water ice cream , pesto . In about twenty years , that could be all normal . " The project last a aggregate of two years . Readheremore about the experience of De Bruin and Van der Leij .
For more data : Ayella SpaapenAeres University of Applied SciencesTel : 088 020 6300[email protected]www.aereshogeschool.nl
