Hinoman recently announced its new protein product, Mankai, a vegetable whole-protein ingredient with high nutritional value and rich in vitamins and minerals. The product’s official launch is scheduled for the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), Chicago, July 11-14.
The Mankai plant, a native of Southeast Asia that has been enjoyed in Thailand, Laos and Vietnam for generations, is an aquacultured source of vegetable protein with exceptional nutritional value.
Hinoman’s hydroponic technology enables it to grow the product faster, and in large quantities, without pesticides, while guaranteeing a high protein content of at least 45 percent by dry weight.
“All the protein parameters are high in Mankai,” says Ron Salpeter, CEO for Hinoman. “With its high PDCAAS rate of digestibility—0.89—it is more potent than super vegetables, such as spinach, spirulina and kale. Mankai has a light vegetal flavor, superior to algae-derived ingredients in the market.”
Mankai is the world’s smallest vegetable—0.5 mm (less than 1/5 inch). Due to its small particle size, it can be easily added in its natural form to food or beverages.
The Hinoman team invested eight years in research and development to create the sustainable strain and cultivation method for year-round harvest of the Mankai super vegetable.
“The Mankai plant boasts the closest protein profile to animal protein,” explains Udi Alroy, VP of Marketing and Business Development for Hinoman. “The paradox is that this tiny, single-strain microgreen delivers huge health benefits to a wide range of market targets and addresses not only the race for new protein sources but also offers perfect solutions to trendy diets, such as Paleo and vegan.”
Mankai is rich in vitamins A and E, the B vitamins, plus minerals and fatty acids.