Production of improved protein isolate derived from seeds of a grain

Abstract

Seeds of a grain legume of relatively low lipid content are processed under conditions found to yield an improved protein isolate which is well suited for human consumption. The seeds of the grain legume are wet-milled in an aqueous medium to form a finely milled slurry with the protein being substantially dissolved in water (as described). Solid material is removed from the protein slurry, and low molecular weight coagulation inhibitors inherently present are removed from the extract of protein by ultrafiltration with the aid of diafiltration to form a protein retentate. The protein retentate is coagulated through the action of proteolytic enzyme (as described) to produce the improved protein isolate of the present invention which optionally may be recovered in a particulate solid form. The resulting protein isolate of the present invention exhibits excellent emulsifying properties and can be used to advantage as an additive for food systems. For instance, the improved protein isolate is well compatible with meat products, such as sausages, etc. In a preferred embodiment the seeds are from Pisum sativium plants (i.e., they are field peas).