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Hinoman launches Mankai

1 Jul 2015

Hinoman is to launch Mankai, a vegetable whole-protein ingredient said to have high nutritional value. Mankai is described as an aquacultured source of vegetable protein, rich in vitamins and minerals. The Mankai plant is a native of Southeast Asia, and has been enjoyed in Thailand, Laos and Vietnam for generations, Hinoman says, noting that its hydroponic technology enables […]

Hinoman launches Mankai

3d-man-giving-announcement-13712124Hinoman is to launch Mankai, a vegetable whole-protein ingredient said to have high nutritional value.

Mankai is described as an aquacultured source of vegetable protein, rich in vitamins and minerals. The Mankai plant is a native of Southeast Asia, and has been enjoyed in Thailand, Laos and Vietnam for generations, Hinoman says, noting that its 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% by dry weight.

Mankai is, according to Hinoman, the world’s smallest vegetable—0.5 mm (less than 1/5 inch). Due to its small particle size, the company says it can be easily incorporated in its natural form into food or beverage applications.

“The Mankai plant boasts the closest protein profile to animal protein,” said 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.”

Protein quality depends on digestibility, amino acid profile and content, Hinoman says. A high-quality protein contains all the essential amino acids (those the body must source externally), with a high proportion of the branched chain amino acids (BCAA). Mankai is claimed to be rich in vitamins A and E, the B vitamins, plus minerals and fatty acids, and its precision cultivation method is said to produce reliable and consistent nutrient levels, answering all “free-from” requirements and enabling a clean label.

“All the protein parameters are high in Mankai,” said 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.”