High protein content in world's smallest vegetable

Mankai is the world’s smallest vegetable — 0.5 mm. Due to its small particle size, it can be easily incorporated in its natural form into food or beverage applications. The vitamin and mineral-rich plant has a light vegetal flavour and is native to Southeast Asia. It has been part of the diets in Thailand, Laos and Vietnam for generations.

The Mankai plant boasts the closest protein profile to animal protein and the tiny, single-strain microgreen delivers 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.

Hinoman has introduced an aquacultured source of Mankai that has particularly high nutritional value. The company’s hydroponics technology enables it to grow the plant faster and in large quantities, without pesticides, while guaranteeing a high protein content of at least 45% by dry weight.

Hinoman claims a high Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) of 0.89, which is greater than vegetables such as spinach, spirulina and kale. Protein quality depends on digestibility, amino acid profile and content. A high-quality protein contains all the essential amino acids, with a high proportion of the branched chain amino acids (BCAA). Mankai is rich in vitamins A and E, the B vitamins, plus minerals and fatty acids.

Mankai’s precision cultivation method produces reliable and consistent nutrient levels, answering all ‘free-from’ requirements and enabling a clean label.